17 October, 2024;In a significant development related to the recent violence in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, five individuals accused of involvement were arrested following an encounter with the police. During the operation, one of the accused sustained injuries. The police were reportedly fired upon as they attempted to apprehend the suspects, prompting them to retaliate.
Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, a key figure in the state’s politics, strongly defended the actions of the police. In a statement that has sparked conversation, Rajbhar remarked, “When the police go to arrest someone and bullets are fired at them, will the police garland them or shower flowers on them?” He emphasized the need for law and order to be maintained, adding, “Dead or alive, they (criminals) have to be caught. If they have committed a crime, they will have to live underground or in jail or go to heaven.”
The minister’s comments reflect the tough stance taken by the Uttar Pradesh government against criminal elements, reinforcing the state’s reputation for dealing firmly with lawbreakers. Rajbhar’s rhetoric highlights the zero-tolerance policy towards violent crime, a theme frequently emphasized by the ruling administration.
The encounter occurred after a search operation was launched to capture those involved in the violent incident in Bahraich. Details of the violence itself are still emerging, but the situation has underscored the broader challenges of maintaining law and order in the region.
This latest encounter has reignited debates over police encounters in Uttar Pradesh, which have often been a contentious issue. While many support the strong-arm tactics as a necessary means of tackling rising crime, critics argue that encounters sometimes violate due process and human rights. However, Rajbhar’s statement clearly aligns with the government’s commitment to restoring and preserving order in both the state and the country.
As investigations into the Bahraich violence continue, more details are expected to surface regarding the events leading to the clash. Meanwhile, the five arrested individuals are being held for further questioning, and the injured accused is receiving medical treatment under police custody.
