Mob violence in Bulandshahr over alleged cow slaughter, cop among two killed

BULANDSHAHR : A police inspector died after he sustained fatal head injuries following mob violence over an alleged case of cow slaughter in Bulandshahr (UP) on Monday morning. The deceased, Subodh Kumar Singh, was posted at the Syana Kotwali in Bulandshahr.

Several policemen and protesters were also injured and were admitted to nearby hospitals. In addition, some police vans and other private vehicles were torched by the angry protesters.

According to the police, certain right wing groups along with locals protesting against the cow slaughter went on a rampage and attacked the Chingrawati police outpost, approximately 150 kms from the national capital, in Bulandshahr city.


File photo of deceased police inspector, Subodh Kumar

A protester, Sumit Kumar, was injured in firing and was rushed to a hospital in Meerut where he succumbed to his injuries, the police said.

The atmosphere in Bulandshahr continues to be tense even as senior police officials including ADG Meerut zone Prashant Kumar reached the spot to take stock of the situation.

According to sources, some Hindu outfit members after finding carcasses of cattle in a field loaded them in a tractor and parked it near the Chingrawati police outpost. They claimed it was a case of cow slaughter and became embroiled in a clash with the police.

The incident occurred just a day after Tabligi Iztema, a three-day Islamic congregation involving lakhs of Muslim devotees, coming from all across the country and abroad, culminated. Additional police forces have been deployed on the route being used be the devotees to return as isolated incidents of harassment have been reported at various places, although they are yet to be confirmed.

According to Bulandshahr DM Anuj Kumar Jha, "Some people protesting against cow slaughter had blocked the Syana Road after which a police team reached to clear the route. While talks were going on, the situation escalated and SHO Syana police station, Subodh Kumar, was fatally injured."

Meanwhile, SSP Bulandshahr KB Singh said the situation is now under control. "Adequate police forces are in place and we are in the process of identifying anti-social elements who perpetrated the crime. No one will be allowed to take the law into his/her own hands", he said.