In a dramatic and bizarre standoff in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, alleged gangster Haji Firoz Khan barricaded himself inside his home, chained the doors, and threatened to take his own life if police attempted to arrest him. The incident, which unfolded in Jhinjhana town, saw Khan posting live video updates on social media to assert his safety and protest against what he claims is a threat to his life from the police.
The Dramatic Standoff and Police Response
The episode reached its peak on Saturday when Khan, who is in his late 50s, took extreme measures. He physically chained himself inside his residence, rigged a noose from a ceiling fan, and installed multiple CCTV cameras. He then began broadcasting live videos every half hour to his social media followers. In these clips, he claimed to have imposed a "precautionary house arrest" upon himself, alleging that police intended to eliminate him in a staged encounter.
However, Shamli Superintendent of Police NP Singh dismissed these actions as "mere theatrics." He revealed that Khan had been posting similar updates since Wednesday, using them to affirm his well-being while intermittently warning that any arrest attempt would lead to his suicide. Singh accused Khan of using online videos to obstruct police and administrative work, issuing criminal threats against public servants, and levelling false allegations.
Background: Seized Properties and Pending Cases
The confrontation has its roots in a police action last year. On December 25, 2023, authorities seized 14 properties worth approximately Rs 30 crore belonging to Haji Firoz Khan. This action was taken under Section 14 (1) of the stringent Gangsters Act, as Khan was listed as absconding in official records.
Despite Khan's claim in one video that a court had stayed his arrest, police affirmed their intent to proceed. SP Singh stated that Khan faces a total of 22 criminal cases across the region, including serious charges of rape and murder. The police highlighted that Khan had previously maintained his own social media cell, which he is now using to make unsubstantiated accusations.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Action
In response to Khan's social media campaign, police have filed a fresh case against him, his niece, and another accused. The charges have been filed under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections, including:
- Section 218: Resistance to lawful taking of property.
- Section 226: Threat of injury to a public servant.
Authorities have made it clear that Khan's "online stunts" will not deter legal proceedings. SP NP Singh emphasized that the gangster's attempts to manipulate public perception and intimidate officials through live videos are being treated as an obstruction of justice, and all due legal processes will continue against him.
