Team Clarion
LUCKNOW — A special CBI court in Lucknow has found ten individuals guilty in the high-profile murder case of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Zia-ul-Haq, who was assassinated in Kanda, Pratapgarh, in March 2013. The verdict comes after a lengthy investigation into the brutal attack that claimed the life of the dedicated officer.
The incident occurred on the evening of March 2, 2013, when DSP Zia-ul-Haq was dispatched to Balipur village in response to reports of a double murder, including the killing of the village head, Niney Yadav. Upon arrival, he was met with a violent mob that first attacked him with sticks before shooting him. His lifeless body was left behind for three hours on the platform behind the Pradhan’s house, highlighting the sheer brutality of the assault.
According to reports, as soon as Zia-ul-Haq arrived at the scene, he was targeted by the mob while his colleagues fled the area. In a tragic turn of events, he became the victim of a premeditated attack, which led to widespread outrage and calls for justice.
In the aftermath of the murder, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case. In April 2013, several suspects were arrested, including Pawan Yadav, Bablu Yadav, Phool Chand Yadav, and Manjit Yadav, who are the sons of the village chief. The investigation revealed that a man named Nanhe Singh had fired the shots that killed DSP Zia-ul-Haq; he was reportedly linked to Raghuraj Pratap Singh, also known as Raja Bhaiya, a local independent MLA accused of orchestrating the attack.
Despite a closure report filed by the CBI that sought to exonerate Raja Bhaiya and several associates, the trial court dismissed this report in 2014 and ordered the investigation to continue. This decision was temporarily halted by the High Court but was later reinstated by the Supreme Court following a petition by Parveen Azad, the widow of the slain DSP.
As the court proceedings continue, the conviction of the ten accused marks a significant step towards justice for DSP Zia-ul-Haq and his family. The case remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officials in the line of duty, and the ongoing struggle against political influence in criminal investigations.
