19 Arrested in Uttar Pradesh for Highway Blockade and Violence During Protests Over Cow Vigilante's Death
In a significant development in Uttar Pradesh, police have arrested nineteen people for allegedly blocking the Delhi-Agra National Highway and indulging in violent activities. The arrests follow protests triggered by the death of cow vigilante Chandrashekhar Das, popularly known as 'Farsa Wale Baba'. The incident has drawn attention due to its timing during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the district.
Details of the Incident and Arrests
The arrests were made on Sunday, a day after the 57-year-old Chandrashekhar Das was killed in an early morning incident near the Kosi Kalan area. According to police officials, the death was accidental, caused when a Rajasthan-registered truck rammed into a group amid poor visibility. However, this claim has been disputed by Das's followers, who allege involvement of cattle smugglers.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar stated that those detained on Saturday were produced before a magistrate after medical examination on Sunday and remanded to judicial custody. Among those arrested are close aides of the deceased, including one Bhura, along with Daksh Chaudhary and his associates. Chaudhary, a resident of Ghaziabad, has been described as a history-sheeter allegedly involved in incidents of vandalism, loot, and attacks on vehicles.
Violence and Disruption During President's Visit
The protests erupted on Saturday, coinciding with President Droupadi Murmu's three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. Thousands of supporters and disciples of Chandrashekhar Das gathered on the Delhi-Agra National Highway, creating unrest while the president was in Govardhan. Authorities reported that the protesters not only blocked the road, causing traffic snarls stretching several kilometres, but also resorted to stone-pelting when police attempted to clear the road. This violence resulted in injuries to several police personnel and damage to a police outpost and multiple government vehicles.
An FIR has been registered at Kosi Kalan police station against Daksh Chaudhary and his associates under relevant provisions of the BNS. Police are gathering further details of cases against Chaudhary. Additionally, a case has been registered against the driver of the truck involved in the fatal incident.
Administrative Response and Memorial Plans
In response to the situation, District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh announced that a memorial will be constructed at the gaushala in Ajanokh village in memory of Chandrashekhar Das. A police outpost will also be set up there for enhanced security. Singh added that the administration will temporarily take responsibility for the upkeep of around 400 cows at the shelter, with necessary instructions issued to local officials.
Following demands by the followers of the deceased, the last rites were conducted on Saturday in the presence of officials without a post-mortem examination. This move was aimed at addressing the grievances of the community and preventing further escalation of tensions.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding cow vigilantism in Uttar Pradesh and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing large-scale protests. The arrests underscore the authorities' commitment to maintaining order, especially during high-profile visits like that of the President.
