On Monday, May 13, Ashutosh Srivastava, a 43-year-old journalist, was fatally shot in the Shahganj area of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred around 9:30 am while Srivastava was en route to the Imranganj market, near the intersection of Jaunpur-Shahganj Road.
The assailants, who remain unidentified, carried out the attack, leaving Srivastava mortally wounded. The following day, the deceased journalist’s brother lodged a complaint against four individuals and five others whose identities are yet unknown. OpIndia reported the incident and among those named in the FIR is Nasir Jamal, a relative of Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi.
Based on the reports from Jagran, prompt action ensued as the police registered the FIR and apprehended Jamiruddin Qureshi, one of the accused mentioned in the complaint. Qureshi was arrested from Mumbai’s Bhiwandi area and efforts are underway to bring him to Jaunpur for further legal proceedings. Reports suggest that Jamiruddin Qureshi, the arrested Islamist individual, has a criminal record and is notorious for his involvement in cow smuggling, with 16 cases against him. The police assert that he is the mastermind behind Srivastava’s murder.
Shahganj Deputy SP confirmed Qureshi’s arrest with the assistance of the Maharashtra Police. Qureshi is currently detained at the Bhiwandi police station, awaiting transfer to Jaunpur on transit remand. Authorities anticipate further revelations following his interrogation.
Meanwhile, the Jaunpur Police have intensified their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the journalist’s murder. Multiple teams have been deployed to different parts of the country to track down the assailants.
Involvement of ex-Samajwadi party leader’s relative
In a statement issued by the sister-in-law of the deceased journalist, it was revealed that Srivastava had been summoned to the police station a week prior, where he was cautioned about threats to his life. Despite the danger, Srivastava continued his routine work, refusing to remain confined at home. However, he did seek police protection upon learning of the imminent threat to his life.
On the day of the incident, Srivastava left home after breakfast, expressing his intention to return for dinner. Nasir Jamal, a relative of Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, has been identified as the main suspect in the murder. Locals speculate that Srivastava’s relentless reporting on cow smuggling may have incited the perpetrators.
Jamiruddin Qureshi escaped from custody
Based on the recent reports from Singhbhum News, upon completion of the necessary legal procedures, Thane police handed Qureshi over to the UP police team, comprising a sub-inspector and a constable who was stationed in Thane. Following the acquisition of a transit remand from the local court, the UP police began their journey to Jaunpur via railway route, explained a police officer.
However, as their express train approached Khandwa railway station, Qureshi purportedly took advantage of the situation by using the pretext of needing to use the restroom. Seizing the opportunity, he jumped off the moving train to make his escape. According to a police officer, Qureshi leapt from the train when it slowed down. Subsequently, the UP police, along with the assistance of the Madhya Pradesh (MP) police, disembarked at the next railway station and initiated a widespread manhunt to recapture him, stated a police officer.
The gravity of the situation escalates significantly given that Qureshi, with over 16 cases against him, is identified as a radical Islamist. The failure of police authorities to present him before the court is deeply concerning, particularly for the Hindu community. The victim lost his life while a convicted Islamist managed to escape and is now at large, posing a threat even in broad daylight.
Islamists with radical ideologies continue their predatory acts against innocent Hindus. In addition to the coercion and assault against Hindu girls, they are consistently targeting Hindu activists engaged in various activities for Hindu Samaj’s welfare and associated with Hindu organizations, and this trend is profoundly alarming.
(Featured Image Source: OpIndia)
