A distressing incident unfolded in Shahjahanpur, Meerut, where a 21-year-old fruit trader and his 19-year-old girlfriend were left critically injured after leaping from the second floor of a pizza outlet. The couple took this desperate measure to escape a group of men, allegedly linked to a right-wing outfit, who stormed the premises on Saturday evening.
Alleged Harassment and Demands for Identity Proofs
According to police reports, the group entered the cafe after receiving information that an "interfaith couple was present." Once inside, they shouted slogans and demanded identity proofs from customers, specifically asking for names and caste details while recording videos. SHO Rakesh Maurya confirmed these details to the media, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Couple's Desperate Escape Attempt
In their complaint, the couple stated that they showed their identity documents, which confirmed they were both Hindus. However, the men allegedly continued to harass and intimidate them. Fearing physical assault and the circulation of videos on social media, the woman jumped out of a window. The man followed in an attempt to protect her, leading to both sustaining serious injuries.
The woman, who works at a private company, suffered multiple fractures in her leg, while the man sustained injuries to his legs and hands. Both were admitted to a hospital and are reported to be in critical condition, underscoring the grave nature of their escape.
Police Response and Arrests
SP Rajesh Dwivedi provided updates on the investigation, noting that two accused, Abhishek Kumar and Sachin Kumar, both in their early 20s, were arrested based on CCTV footage from the cafe. Their associates are currently absconding. The arrested individuals have no prior criminal history and work as daily-wage labourers. Police teams are actively working to apprehend the remaining accused involved in the incident.
Measures to Prevent Future Incidents
In the aftermath, police announced that surprise inspections would be conducted at pizza outlets across the city. Cafe owners have been instructed to remove enclosed cabins, avoid using curtains, and install transparent glass panels to prevent the misuse of private spaces. These steps aim to enhance safety and transparency in public establishments.
This incident has sparked concerns about safety and harassment in public places, with authorities taking proactive measures to address such issues. The community awaits further developments as the investigation continues.
