The Yogi Adityanath government is accused of conducting encounters based on caste and religion
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Spotlight is again on the spate of police encounters in Uttar Pradesh as four cases have come to light in Unnao, Ghazipur, and Kushinagar in 24 hours.
The encounters have spread fear across the state and critics maintain that these are politically motivated, rather than measures to uphold the rule of law. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and former chief minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav have expressed deep concerns over these incidents, calling for a judicial probe.
The most recent incidents have brought accusations of targeted killings. Just as the state was grappling with the encounter of Anuj Kumar Singh in the Sultanpur robbery case, another suspect, Mohammad Zahid, was killed in a police operation in Ghazipur. In Kushinagar, two more accused were injured in separate confrontations. These developments come amidst allegations that the Uttar Pradesh government is conducting encounters based on caste and religion.
Akhilesh Yadav criticised the government claiming that the Yogi Adityanath government was orchestrating encounters as political revenge. “They are targeting individuals based on their caste and religion.” He went on to accuse the Special Task Force (STF) of being biased, labelling it the ‘Special Thakur Force.’ Yadav’s remarks were spurred by the earlier encounter of Mangesh Yadav and the subsequent death of Anuj Kumar Singh, which he believes was an attempt by the state to maintain a ‘balance’ after criticism.
Zahid’s Family Disputes Police Claims
The police claim that Zahid was involved in an attack on two Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables. According to the police, Zahid was shot in retaliation after he opened fire during an arrest attempt. Ghazipur Superintendent of Police Dr Iraj Raja stated, “The accused fired on the police team. In self-defence, the police retaliated, resulting in his death.”
However, Zahid’s parents vehemently deny his involvement. His father, Mohammad Mustafa, and mother, Sajida Khatun, insist that their son had no connection to any crime. “There isn’t even a single case registered against him in any police station,” his mother said, expressing disbelief at the accusations.
Meanwhile, in Kushinagar, two individuals were injured during a police operation. The Kushinagar police stated that the suspects, identified as Rajendra Prasad and Harish Chandra Barwar, attempted to flee a vehicle checkpoint and opened fire at the police. Both were injured in the retaliatory firing and are currently in hospital. The police claim that they are wanted criminals, with bounties on their heads amounting to Rs 25,000 each.
Priyanka took to social media strongly condemning the string of encounters. “The politics of murder, violence, and encounters has no place in a society governed by the rule of law. These actions insult the Constitution. Every life taken without a judicial order is a violation of justice,” she posted on X.
The Congress leader pointed out that nearly 13,000 encounters have taken place in Uttar Pradesh in the last seven years. “Has this improved law and order? Has it curbed crime? What purpose is being served here?” she questioned, reiterating her demand for a judicial investigation into the matter.
Akhilesh Yadav echoed Priyanka’s concerns, accusing the government of fostering an environment of lawlessness. “The police are no longer upholding the law; they are being used to further the BJP’s political agenda. False cases, corruption, and fake encounters are tarnishing the state’s image. No one feels safe in Uttar Pradesh today,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition, Mata Prasad Pandey, also voiced concerns over the rising number of encounters, suggesting that many are based on caste and religious profiling. “The government is selectively targeting individuals, and this pattern is alarming,” Pandey said.
Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari was equally critical, stating, “Yogi Adityanath may be a religious figure, but when it comes to governance, his administration is incompetent. He is not fit to hold the position of chief minister.”
The escalating tension surrounding these encounters has left many questioning the motives behind them. With political leaders demanding accountability and investigations, the state government is under growing pressure to address concerns and ensure transparency in its handling of law enforcement.
