Rudrapur: Two incidents of attacks on police teams during raids in Udham Singh Nagar within the first five months of the year have raised concern within the police department, with officers alleging that accused persons are increasingly receiving help from family members and locals to evade arrest.
Latest Attack on May 15
In the latest incident on May 15, a police team that had gone to arrest a warrant accused in Jaspur’s Patarampur village was allegedly attacked by the accused’s mother, wife and brother using sharp-edged weapons. Police personnel sustained injuries, while the accused escaped during the commotion.
Growing Frequency of Incidents
Officials said such incidents were becoming more frequent, especially in rural areas bordering Uttar Pradesh. “The shortage of women personnel during raids often creates operational difficulties, as women family members allegedly engage officers in arguments and scuffles, allowing accused persons to flee through rooftops or back exits,” SSP Ajay Ganpati said.
Link to Organized Crime
Police sources also linked the growing resistance to organised criminal networks involved in narcotics and arms smuggling. The district’s porous border with Uttar Pradesh, they said, makes it easier for offenders to escape and evade arrest.
Previous Incidents in 2025
On Feb 1 this year, a police team attempting to arrest an alleged drug smuggler in Rudrapur’s Subhash Colony was allegedly attacked with stones by family members from rooftops, enabling the accused to escape. He was arrested a month later. In another incident in March, a police team in Kashipur was allegedly assaulted by relatives and neighbours of a woman warrant accused, who also tore policemen’s uniforms.
Historical Context
In 2022, villagers and relatives allegedly attacked a Uttar Pradesh Police team in Kunda and freed a mining mafia accused carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 after allegedly holding policemen hostage and assaulting them.
Police Response
“Any assault or misbehaviour with police personnel will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone obstructing govt duty or attacking police teams,” the SSP said.
