In the wake of the police encounter resulting in the death of Sajid, a suspect in the Badaun double murder case, Uttar Pradesh Police have detained his father and uncle for questioning. The incident, which occurred in the Baba Colony of Badaun district, left two minor Hindu children, identified as Ayush (14) and Honey brutally murdered, while injuring a third child named Piyush on March 19, 2024.
According to Bareilly Inspector-General of Police Rakesh Kumar, the victims were playing on their terrace when the accused arrived, waited for an opportune moment, and then mercilessly attacked them, leading to their tragic demise. A third child sustained severe injuries to the neck and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Sajid, accompanied by his brother Javed, was later confronted by law enforcement and met his end in a police encounter.
IsIamists from salon had come here. He took my brothers upstairs, I don’t know why he kiIIed them. He tried to attack me too, but I pushed away his knife, pushed him away and ran down. I suffered injuries in my hand & head – Surviving brother of Ayush & Piyush 💔
It seems they… pic.twitter.com/Nq7a8P3k1p
— Mr Sinha (Modi’s family) (@MrSinha_) March 20, 2024
The Baba Colony area near the Mandi Samiti outpost witnessed heightened police presence as locals expressed their outrage over the gruesome double murder. Budaun District Magistrate (DM) Manoj Kumar urged residents to maintain calm amidst the tense atmosphere following the incident.
Commenting on the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari acknowledged the swift action taken by the Yogi government in addressing the matter, emphasising the state’s commitment to upholding law and order.
Eyewitness accounts, including that of the surviving brother of the deceased children, shed light on the horrific events leading to the murders. The eyewitness recounted how the accused barged into their home, led the victims to the terrace, and unleashed a brutal assault. He managed to escape with injuries, describing the harrowing ordeal to news agency ANI.
Islamists cry over encounter
Meanwhile, reactions to the incident have sparked controversy, particularly from Islamist figures like Shadab Chouhan, a Peace Party spokesperson. Chouhan criticised the police encounter that led to Sajid’s death, lamenting the destruction of the accused’s barber shop allegedly by an agitated mob. His remarks drew attention to broader tensions surrounding the incident, as he called for a balanced approach to justice.
Contrary to Chouhan’s assertions, Badaun SSP Alok Priyadarshi clarified that the police acted in self-defense as the accused attempted to flee and opened fire on law enforcement officials. Priyadarshi highlighted ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend Javed, the brother of the deceased suspect, who is also implicated in the crime.
The arson of the accused’s barber shop, reportedly by enraged locals, underscores the gravity of public sentiment surrounding the tragedy. While condemning the violence, observers note the deep-seated emotions stirred by the heinous crime.
याद रखो लोगों किसी को किसी की जान लेने का अधिकार नहीं अगर कोई ऐसा जघन्य अपराध करता है तो हम इसकी कड़ी निंदा करते हैं और अपराधियों पर सख्त कार्रवाई की मांग करते हैं, लेकिन इसका मतलब यह नहीं की कोई आवारा भीड़ का झुंड जाकर किसी का घर जला दे। वह भी उसी तरह अपराधी हो जाएगा या फिर…
— Shadab Chauhan شاداب چوہان (@shadab_chouhan1) March 19, 2024
Shadab Chouhan’s controversial history, including past incidents of incitement and support for extremist ideologies, adds complexity to the unfolding narrative. His involvement underscores the polarising nature of the case and the broader societal tensions it has brought to the forefront.
As investigations continue and tensions simmer in Badaun, authorities remain vigilant, balancing the pursuit of justice with the need to prevent further unrest.
Locals stage protest
According to reports, locals responded swiftly upon hearing the mother’s screams, dragging her out of the house and securing the door. Despite their efforts, Sajid managed to escape, prompting a pursuit by law enforcement, which ultimately resulted in his demise.
Enraged by the heinous act, residents gathered in the vicinity and ransacked Sajid’s salon before setting it ablaze. Additional shops nearby fell victim to the crowd’s fury. Authorities intervened when the mob approached a place of worship, believed to be a mosque, preventing further escalation.
Videos circulated on social media depict residents confronting police, decrying the administration’s response to the crime’s brutality.
The anger spilled over to the local police station, where crowds gathered, chanting slogans. Attempts were made to set the station alight, suspected of harboring the accused.
Following the demonstration, Sajid was reportedly killed in the police encounter, prompting Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Alok Priyadarshi to order the closure of all city markets. Traffic disruptions occurred on Majhiya road near the police station but were eventually resolved.
Additional police and paramilitary forces were deployed to quell tensions, while raids on Sajid’s family home in Sakhanu were conducted by authorities.
SSP Priyadarshi assured the public that the situation was under control and that monitoring of social media activities was ongoing. A flag march was conducted by police on Wednesday morning, March 20.
Further investigation revealed Sajid’s frequent visits to the victims’ residence, as his shop was situated opposite.
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