Five individuals were arrested in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, following an encounter with state police on October 16th, raising alarms over potential police brutality and allegations of ‘fake encounters.’ During the operation, two of the suspects, identified as Sarfaraz and Talib, suffered gunshot wounds to their legs while attempting to flee toward the India-Nepal border.
These arrests are linked to a violent incident on October 14th that resulted in one person’s death. Family members of the accused, particularly Rukhsar, have voiced serious concerns regarding the legitimacy of the arrests, fearing that their loved ones may have fallen victim to a ‘fake encounter.’ Rukhsar claims that her husband and brother-in-law were detained on October 14th without any subsequent updates. She only learned of their arrest alongside her father and two brothers on October 16th.
Contrasting this narrative, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Mukul Kumar stated that the five accused were apprehended during a weapons recovery operation near the India-Nepal border. He explained that Sarfaraz and Talib’s attempt to escape prompted police to open fire, resulting in their injuries. The other three suspects, Abdul Hameed, Fahim, and Abdul Afzal, were also arrested during this operation.
The opposition has capitalized on this incident, expressing grave concerns about the rising frequency of ‘fake encounters’ in Uttar Pradesh. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of using encounters to divert attention from their shortcomings.
This incident has ignited widespread debate and concern, shedding light on the complex dynamics between law enforcement and the community in Uttar Pradesh. The allegations of ‘fake encounters’ raise critical questions about police accountability and transparency, necessitating a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the events in Bahraich.