UP: 7 Accused In Bulandshahr Violence, Which Killed An Inspector, Given Bail; Receive Heroes' Welcome

Seven persons accused in the killing of police inspector Subodh Kumar in the Bulandshahr violence last year came out on bail on Saturday (24 August 2019). As they stepped out of the Bulandshahr jail, they received welcome befitting that to of heroes. They were garlanded and greeted with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.

Heroes’ Welcome For Accused

The matter came to light when a video of a party thrown to ‘honour’ the accused was posted on social media.

The seven accused include-Shikhar Agarwal, member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), army man Jitendra Malik, Hemu, Upendra Raghav, Sourav and Rohit Raghav.

Along with the killing of Inspector Kumar, the Chingrawati police picket was set on fire.

After the violence, 27 named and over 60 unnamed were booked by the police under several IPC sections including 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 395 (dacoity), 333 (grievous hurt to a public servant) and 124 A (sedition), among others.

Right now, 10 people have been granted bail, of which seven have been released. “The accused granted bail were booked for rioting. None of the accused booked for murder has been granted bail,” Santosh Kumar Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police of Bulandshahr told The Hindu.

Reportedly, one of the accused, Malik, an army man from 22 Rashtriya Rifles, who was posted in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir on December 9 by Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force. However, he was not charge-sheeted for murder.

On the other hand, BJYM leader Agarwal was arrested by the police after a month’s search.

Bulandshahr Violence

On December 3, the incident took place when a few people started to protest in the area after they found the alleged carcass of a cow in the field. The mob was also protesting against illegal slaughterhouses.

The protestors had blocked the roads in the area. Following this, the police were informed about the incident. When the police reached the spot to get the roads opened, some unknown people started pelting stones at them.

Inspector Kumar was grievously injured in the stone-pelting and was being taken to the hospital. Reportedly, Subodh was again attacked while he was being taken to the hospital.

The inspector died before he could have been treated.

Also Read: Bulandshahr Violence: Bajrang Dal Protest Destroyed These Families