Most young people have left Nihal village, as 70 people were arrested over the murder of Sur Bajh Deshwal
NEW DELHI — Nihal village in the Uttar Pradesh region of Ghaziabad is gripped by fear after a police constable was shot dead by an unknown attacker on the night of May 25. Since then, the village has been tense and nearly empty, with many young residents forced to leave the area, fearing reprisal and arbitrary action.
Constable Sur Bajh Deshwal was killed while on duty, and police have been unable to identify the persons responsible. Despite this, over 70 young men from the village have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Local people say that the police may soon announce a reward to catch the suspect. Police teams, including female officers, have been conducting raids and patrolling the village day and night.
The atmosphere in Nihal village is grim. Shops on the main road remain closed, and only a few essential stores are open.
An elder from the village explained, “There is no one left at home to protect the house or feed the animals. Most youth and women aged 20 to 40 have had to leave and seek safety elsewhere.”
Samajwadi Party District President Faisal Hussain has met with police officials, urging them to take strict action against the attackers and to avoid harassing innocent villagers. He said, “There is a lot of fear in the village. The administration should talk to the people sensitively so that the innocents do not have to leave their homes.”
He added, “The criminals must be punished, but the innocent should be protected. This is the responsibility of the authorities.”
Nearly a week after the shooting, the village remains quiet and under heavy police watch. The sound of police boots walking the streets at night causes distress among the elderly, women, and children who remain behind.
Many villagers have been forced to stay with relatives in nearby villages until the situation improves.
