A collision between two motorcycles at the Mishripur intersection just a short distance from the Ramchandra Mission police station in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, escalated into a violent altercation, sparking outrage in the community and calls for swift police action. The incident, as reported in Amar Ujala occurred around 5-6 PM and involved a homeguard’s son Vimlesh Pandey, and his daughter-in-law Anamika Devi, residents of Tahwarganj, who were returning home from Saraikaian Tirahe on their bike. The collision, allegedly caused by an Islamist youth travelling on the wrong side of the road, quickly turned confrontational with verbal abuse exchanged.
As tensions mounted, the situation took a violent turn when the Islamist youth, Sultan, reportedly called for reinforcements. Within moments, a group of four or five individuals arrived by car and assaulted Vimlesh, dragging him into a nearby house. Among them were Uwaid Raja, Daniyal, Bilal, and several others who joined in the attack, reportedly wielding knives with the intent to kill. As a result, Vimlesh sustained severe injuries from the assault.
As per locals, it is alleged that the woman victim was molested by the perpetrators, and also used knives to harm the couple.
The altercation spilled onto the streets, causing traffic snarls and drawing the attention of law enforcement. However, by the time Crime Inspector Digambar Singh and police personnel reached the scene, the accused had fled.
Subsequently, Hindu organization leader Rajesh Awasthi arrived at the spot. A large crowd amassed at the intersection demanding the arrest of the assailants. Talks between the police and the community leaders failed to yield results, prompting further agitation. The family of the victims accused the police of negligence, alleging that their complaint was not taken seriously and that the vehicle involved in the collision was not impounded.
Speaking to media, Rajesh Awasthi said, “They beat them up mercilessly. They disrobed the sister (woman). After all this, when they were taken to the police station, the inspector of the station sent them elsewhere to get medical treatment. They did not arrest anyone. On the other hand, the jihadis are being given protection. We will not move from here unless justice is served, whether they lathi-charge us or do something else. We will not tolerate this.”
Efforts to diffuse the situation saw CO City Soumya Pandey intervening, but tensions remained high well into the night. Additional police forces were called in from neighboring stations to maintain order. It wasn’t until late evening that the car used in the incident was finally brought to the police station, temporarily quelling the unrest, as reported in Amritvichar.
The police then let out a statement saying, “Today on 1 May 2024, at the RC Mission Police Station, near Rambaug at around 5 PM, two parties collided. One party alleges that the other party indulged in beating and violence with them and they tried to harm them. An FIR was filed at the police station. We are carrying out the necessary investigation into the matter. The victims have been given medical attention and we will investigate this further.”
However, the calm was short-lived as anger erupted anew when the accused attempted to leave in an ambulance. The crowd surrounded the vehicle, causing further chaos before it managed to depart. Despite the tumult, a case was registered based on the victims’ complaint, with assurances of a thorough investigation and appropriate action.
