The brutal murder of a 17-year-old boy in Ghaziabad's Khora Colony has sent shockwaves across western Uttar Pradesh, prompting strong reactions from political leaders and the victim's family. The family has demanded that the main accused be killed in a police encounter, while Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya assured the harshest punishment for the culprits.
Mayawati's Reaction
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati described the incident as 'alarming and unfortunate' and called for strict legal action against all those involved. She emphasized the need for stricter enforcement by the government and administration to curb such incidents, which she said were occurring almost daily in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati warned that with Assembly elections approaching, such crimes could have widespread adverse consequences.
Deputy CM's Assurance
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya stated, 'Whoever the murderer may be, he will not be spared. The accused will be traced, and strict legal action will be taken. The government is fully committed to maintaining law and order. Those involved in such a heinous crime will face the harshest punishment under the law.' He added that the brutal murder reflected extreme criminality and hatred.
Family's Grief and Demand
Tension gripped Khora area on Saturday as the teenager's body was brought home after post-mortem. Grief-stricken family members, relatives, and supporters gathered outside the residence, shouting slogans against the accused and demanding exemplary punishment. The victim's mother broke down while embracing her son's body and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for justice.
The family initially refused to perform the last rites, insisting that the main accused should be killed in a police encounter before the victim's cremation. Later, following discussions with authorities and with the family's consent, the body was taken to the Ghazipur crematorium in Delhi, where the last rites were performed. Right-wing organizations accused the administration of failing to curb crime and demanded the arrest of the accused.
Details of the Incident
The Class XI student was allegedly lured to a location by the accused on Bakrid. The teenager's friend, who was reportedly present at the spot, told investigators that the boy received a phone call from the accused, who asked him to meet near a warehouse. When he reached there, the accused attacked him with knives, inflicting multiple stab wounds, particularly to his abdomen. The attackers allegedly chased the teenager through nearby lanes and continued to assault him before fleeing when residents rushed to the spot. The victim was taken to a nearby private hospital and later referred to a medical facility in Noida, where he succumbed to injuries on Friday.
Police Action and Investigation
Police have filed an FIR against five accused. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, surveillance records, mobile phone data, and witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the exact motive behind the murder. One of the victim's friends alleged that the murder could be linked to an eight-month-old dispute when he had intervened in a fight involving the accused and another youth.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dhawal Jaiswal said three youths had been nabbed and efforts were on to find the main accused. 'The post-mortem and other legal formalities have been completed. The body has been handed over to the family,' the DCP said.
Political and Social Reactions
Sonu Sharma, president of Khora unit of Hindu Raksha Dal, claimed that the teenager was associated with the organization and demanded stringent action against the accused. He also demanded demolition of properties of the guilty under applicable laws. Former Khora Municipal Council chairperson Reena Bhati visited the victim's family and demanded a speedy, transparent, and impartial investigation into the murder.
