Rishabh Thakur, a self-proclaimed cow vigilante and the primary accused in last month's violent cafe assault in Bareilly, surrendered before a local court on Friday. This development comes weeks after the disturbing incident that sparked widespread condemnation.
The Cafe Attack That Shocked Bareilly
The assault occurred at a Bareilly cafe where a 22-year-old nursing student celebrated her birthday with friends. Among her companions were two male students from a minority community. Thakur, accompanied by other vigilantes, forcefully entered the establishment. They raised allegations of "love jihad" and physically attacked the Muslim students.
Violent Details Emerge
On December 27, approximately two dozen men, reportedly affiliated with right-wing groups, stormed into the city cafe. Witnesses described how they assaulted the birthday celebrants while shouting slogans about "love jihad." Police investigations reveal Thakur also misbehaved with women present during the incident and caused property damage inside the cafe.
Initial Police Response Draws Criticism
Initially, the Station House Officer (SHO) responded controversially. Instead of taking action against Thakur and his associates, the officer imposed fines on the two assaulted students and the cafe owner. This decision sparked immediate backlash. Authorities later transferred the SHO for demonstrated negligence in handling the sensitive case.
Social Media Pressure Changes Course
The case trajectory shifted dramatically after social media users sharply criticized what many called shoddy investigation handling. This public pressure appeared to influence subsequent police actions. Authorities identified individuals seen attacking people inside the café through video evidence.
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include Section 333 for house trespass, Section 115-2 for voluntarily causing hurt, Section 352 for intentional insult, Section 351 for criminal intimidation, and Section 191 for rioting.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Before Thakur's surrender, police arrested five individuals along with one juvenile. Those taken into custody include Prince Singh (19), Aakash (21), Ashish Kumar (26), Mridul Dubey (22), and Deepak (19). Another key accused, Deepak Pathak, remains at large according to latest reports.
SSP Bareilly Anurag Arya confirmed that police will now seek Thakur's remand for further interrogation. Investigators aim to uncover additional details about the assault and identify all participants.
Victim's Life Disrupted
The nursing student victim, originally from Badaun district, had been staying with her aunt in Bareilly while pursuing her studies. After the traumatic incident, she left her institute hostel. The attack has significantly disrupted her educational journey and personal life.
Local residents express concern over such vigilante actions occurring in their city. Many hope Thakur's surrender represents a step toward justice for all affected by the cafe violence.
