Kanpur: Family members of a 32-year-old alleged criminal and auto driver, Zahid alias Khunti, created an uproar after he died under suspicious circumstances in Rail Bazar on Saturday night, alleging he was murdered. They claimed the youth was killed with a sharp-edged weapon, while police initially described the incident as an accident. The post-mortem examination report confirmed death due to a sharp-edged weapon blow to the head and excessive bleeding.
Family Protests and Blockade
Enraged family members placed the body on VIP Road and blocked traffic, demanding justice. Police officials later pacified them by assuring action against the perpetrators. The deceased's elder brother, Nadeem, stated that Zahid left home with his auto on Saturday morning as usual but did not return until late at night. Younger brother Babu called him several times during the night, but the calls went unanswered. After some time, a call came from the same mobile number, with the caller identifying himself as a sub-inspector from UP-112, informing that Zahid had met with an accident and was admitted to a private hospital at Tatmill. The family reached the hospital and alleged that Zahid had already died before their arrival, with his body lying on a stretcher drenched in blood.
Background of the Deceased
Originally a resident of Unnao's Shuklaganj, Zahid lived on rent in Gwaltoli and drove an auto-rickshaw. He was a known criminal with 19 cases registered against him at Gwaltoli and several other police stations in the city. He operated his auto on the Shuklaganj to Ghantaghar route. His family includes his father Arif, mother Rahisha, six brothers, and six sisters.
Post-Mortem and Police Response
On Sunday afternoon, the post-mortem report revealed that he was killed by a sharp-edged weapon blow to the left side of the head, confirming death due to excessive bleeding. After the post-mortem examination, family members were taking the body via VIP Road to meet the police commissioner, following which barricades were erected at Gwaltoli Chowraha. DCP East, Satyajit Gupta, and ADCP Shiva Singh arrived after receiving information about the uproar and assured action. Gupta stated that the deceased's family members have alleged murder, and action will be taken after investigating their written complaint.
