NEET aspirant, 19, killed by cattle smugglers in UP's Gorakhpur; protests erupt
NEET aspirant, 19, killed by cattle smugglers in UP's Gorakhpur; protests erupt
M.U.H
17/09/202514
A 19-year-old student was shot dead by suspected cattle smugglers in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur on the night of September 16, triggering violent protests in the area on Tuesday.
The victim, identified as Deepak Gupta, was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and lived in Jungledhusar village. The incident occurred when cattle smugglers entered his village and he tried to chase them away. While villagers claimed that he was shot dead, police said the smugglers kicked him, causing him to fall and sustain a fatal head injury.
"People are claiming that firing took place, but at prima-facie, it does not appear that any injury has been caused by firing," SSP Raj Karan Nayyar said.
He further added that five teams have been formed to nab the accused and arrests will be made soon.
"Our operation is underway in the village. Five teams are working on this case. Any further action will be shared with the public. Officers also visited the spot, during which some policemen were injured. Those who sustained injuries are being treated. Additional police forces have been deployed," he added.
Police said three vehicles carrying suspected cattle smugglers entered the village around 12:30 am. While they were untying cattle, villagers raised an alarm. Deepak pursued them, after which he was allegedly killed. His body was later found near Saraiya village, about four kilometres from his home.
Enraged villagers intercepted one of the vehicles and set it ablaze. Another managed to escape, while one suspect was chased down and beaten. Protests escalated in the morning when crowds blocked the Gorakhpur-Pipraich road. Stones were hurled at police, leaving Superintendent of Police (North) Jitendra Srivastava and Pipraich station in-charge Purushottam injured.
Forces from four police stations and a Provincial Armed Constabulary unit were rushed to the spot to control the situation. Senior officials held talks with the family and villagers to restore calm. Traffic on the main road remained blocked for several hours.
The incident took place in the Jungle Dushan outpost area, and following the outrage, strict action has now been initiated in the case of the youth’s murder by cow slaughterers. SSP Gorakhpur has suspended all the police personnel posted at the Jungle Dushan outpost, citing negligence in preventing the incident. In addition, all the police personnel of the Pipraich police station outpost have also been suspended.
Meanwhile, in response to the incident, ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash reached Gorakhpur and took command of the crackdown, named Operation Gokshi. The operation specifically targets the cow slaughter gang from Gopalganj, which is believed to be responsible for the killing.
As part of the intensified action, five teams of the Gorakhpur Police, along with the Special Task Force's (STF) Gorakhpur unit, have been deployed. Police said that the crackdown on the goons of the cow slaughter gang has intensified, and arrests are expected shortly.
Police said the accused are being identified and further investigation is underway.
