Varanasi College Murder: Prime Accused Arrested After Campus Shooting
In a significant development, Varanasi police have apprehended Manjit Chauhan, the prime accused in the brutal murder of BSc student Surya Pratap Singh on the Uday Pratap College campus. The arrest occurred on Friday evening, with Chauhan subsequently being sent to jail on Saturday after being produced before the court.
Confession Reveals Motive of Harassment and Assault
During police interrogation, Chauhan provided a detailed account of the events leading to the fatal shooting. He stated that Surya Pratap Singh, along with other hostel inmates, had subjected him to persistent harassment and physical assaults with the intent to insult him. This alleged pattern of abuse reportedly pushed Chauhan to a breaking point.
"Surya used to thrash me frequently as he had the support of hostel inmates," Chauhan told investigators. The situation escalated on March 17 when Chauhan and his friends were allegedly beaten with sugarcane sticks and lathis near the college gate. Although the incident was reported to the Gilat Bazaar police outpost, the complaint was later withdrawn.
The Final Straw and Deadly Plan
The turning point came on March 20 when Chauhan was allegedly targeted once again. It was at this moment that he finalized his plan to eliminate Surya Pratap Singh. Chauhan, who had previously expressed ambitions to become a mafia figure on social media, purchased a country-made pistol to carry out the attack.
On the afternoon of March 20, in full public view on the college campus, Chauhan opened indiscriminate fire, fatally shooting Surya Pratap Singh. The brazen attack sparked immediate protests in and around the college as students and faculty reacted to the violence.
Dramatic Escape Attempt and Arrest
Following the shooting, Chauhan attempted to flee the scene in a dramatic escape. While jumping from a roof to evade capture, he suffered a fracture in his leg. Despite the injury, he managed to exit the college premises and board an e-rickshaw to reach Kutchery, where he contacted an acquaintance.
However, police teams formed specifically to apprehend him proved successful. "Search for his accomplice is continuing," stated the DCP of Kashi zone, confirming that while Chauhan has been arrested, another accused remains absconding.
Social Media Persona and Background Investigation
Police investigation revealed that Chauhan had cultivated a particular online persona, posing as 'Manjeet Mafia' on Instagram. He reportedly told close associates about his aspirations to become a gangster. Further inquiries showed that Chauhan resided in the Chandmari area for his studies and had strained relationships with both family members and neighbors.
Political Response and Family Support
In the aftermath of the tragedy, MLC Vishal Singh Chanchal visited village Dubaetha to meet with the victim's father, Rishi Dev Singh. Chanchal expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and assured them that justice would be served.
"The guilty would not be spared," Chanchal declared, adding that he would raise the matter directly with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Demonstrating tangible support, the MLC also provided financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the victim's family to help them through this difficult period.
The case continues to develop as police intensify their search for the remaining accused and work to build a comprehensive case against Chauhan, whose actions have left a campus community in mourning and raised serious questions about campus safety and student conflicts.
