Shahjahanpur Café Incident: Couple Takes Desperate Leap After Harassment by Group Claiming Right-Wing Affiliation
A disturbing incident unfolded in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday afternoon when a young couple was forced to jump from the first floor of a café after allegedly being harassed by a group of men who claimed to be members of a right-wing organization. The couple, aged 21 and 19, sustained serious injuries and were immediately rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
Details of the Harassment and Subsequent Leap
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 3:30 PM in the Kanth locality of Shahjahanpur. The couple was waiting for their food order at the café when a group of men suddenly approached them. The harassers demanded identity proofs from the young man and woman and began recording videos on their mobile phones, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.
The situation escalated rapidly, leading to a desperate act of self-preservation. In a bid to escape the harassment, the woman first jumped out of the window, followed closely by the young man. Police officials confirmed that the café is situated on the first floor of the building, making the fall particularly dangerous.
Medical Condition and Police Response
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical examinations revealed that the young woman suffered fractures in her bones, while the man sustained injuries to his lower back. Hospital authorities have stated that both victims are undergoing treatment and their condition is currently stable. The youth later informed the police that he jumped in an attempt to save his friend from further harm.
Law enforcement has taken swift action in response to this alarming event. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Kanth police station against three named individuals—Pravesh, Sonu, and Harshit—along with five unidentified persons. The charges include rioting and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace.
Investigation and Denials from Right-Wing Groups
Shahjahanpur Circle Officer Priyank Jain has confirmed that police teams are actively searching for the accused and working to gather more details about their backgrounds. Interestingly, it was noted that no CCTV cameras were installed at the café, which may complicate the investigation.
Station House Officer Rakesh Kumar of Kanth police station provided additional context, revealing that the young man is associated with the fruit business, while the woman works in a private firm. Police are also investigating whether the accused have any genuine links to right-wing Hindu organizations.
In a significant development, Harish Prajapati, an office-bearer of the Bajrang Dal, has categorically denied any involvement of the organization's members in the incident. This denial adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation as authorities strive to verify the claims made by the harassers.
Community Impact and Broader Implications
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Shahjahanpur and raised important questions about public safety and harassment in public spaces. The fact that the couple felt compelled to take such extreme measures highlights the severity of the situation they faced.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on multiple aspects of the case, including the motive behind the harassment, the authenticity of the right-wing claims made by the accused, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and prompt action against harassment in all its forms.
