Bareilly: More than 150 villagers protested outside the Chandpur police post in Khutar area of Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district on Thursday, alleging that police staged a fake encounter of a local youth accused of raping a one-year-old girl. The demonstrators demanded strict action against the police personnel involved.
Background of the Case
The accused, Guddu (25), was arrested following an alleged encounter on the night of June 9. Police claimed that Guddu opened fire, prompting retaliation in which he was shot in both legs. Shahjahanpur ASP Diksha Bhavre stated, "He was hospitalised and subsequently sent to jail."
Villagers' Allegations
Villagers disputed the police version, insisting Guddu was falsely implicated. "The police first arrested him and then shot him in the leg," a villager told reporters on condition of anonymity.
Police Response
SSP Saurabh Dixit rejected the allegations, calling them "baseless". He said, "The crowd first hurled stones at the cops, following which mild force was used."
Protest Videos
A video circulating on social media purportedly shows police beating an elderly man and several women during the protest.
Legal Action
Following the unrest, an FIR was lodged against four named individuals — village head Shobhit and his aides Balram, Rajendra, and Mohit. Police said one accomplice has been arrested while Shobhit remains absconding. "We are ascertaining the main accused who instigated the public. No innocent will be scrutinised," SSP Dixit said.
Original Complaint
Police further stated that Guddu was arrested after a woman filed a complaint alleging he was found naked with a one-year-old infant. The woman, who was washing utensils at the time, rushed to the scene after hearing the child's cries.
