Gorakhpur: Tension prevailed in Gorakhpur on Tuesday after a 19-year-old NEET aspirant, Deepak Gupta, was allegedly killed by cattle smugglers, sparking angry protests and road blockades by locals demanding justice.
Protests and Family’s Demand for Justice
Outraged villagers gathered at Jungle Dhushad, blocking the road and setting a truck on fire. The victim’s family demanded strict punishment for the culprits, with one relative saying, “He should be hanged.”
Senior officials — including the District Magistrate (DM), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and Inspector General (IG) — rushed to the spot to pacify the situation and assure justice.
About the Incident
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the attack happened around 12:30 A.M. on Monday night:
- Cattle smugglers arrived in the village with three vehicles, attempting to untie cattle.
- Villagers, including Deepak Gupta, tried to stop them.
- Deepak raised an alarm and chased the smugglers but was caught, forced into a pickup van, and taken away.
- After driving around with him for about an hour, the smugglers allegedly pushed him out of the moving vehicle, causing fatal injuries.
Eyewitness Vivek Nishad recounted: “The cattle smugglers came, attacked the victim, and carried him. After carrying him for a few kilometres, they shot him.”
Police, however, have clarified that no firearm injury was detected prima facie, though the post-mortem report will confirm the cause of death.
Police Action and Updates
SSP Rajkaran Nair said:
- A case has been registered, and five police teams are working to arrest the accused.
- All culprits have been identified; raids are underway in their native areas.
- One injured smuggler caught by villagers is under treatment.
- Some police personnel were also injured during the incident after stones hit them.
The SSP added: “The family has demanded the harshest punishment. Since there are many witnesses, strong action will be taken against all guilty.”
CM Yogi’s Intervention
Taking cognisance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed senior officials to visit the site, meet the victim’s family, and ensure strict action. His office posted on X:
“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the tragic incident that took place in Gorakhpur… and directed senior administrative officials to reach the spot and communicate with the victim’s family and take strict action against the culprits.”
District Magistrate’s Assurance
DM Deepak Meena said:
- A three-member committee has been formed to investigate.
- The post-mortem is being conducted with videography.
- Financial assistance and government aid for the family are being processed.
- “Continuous arrests are ongoing, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.”