Two Men Arrested in Agra for Murdering Auto Driver Who Resisted Sexual Assault
In a shocking crime in Uttar Pradesh's Agra district, two men have been arrested for allegedly murdering an autorickshaw driver after he opposed their attempt to sexually assault him. The police announced the arrests on Monday, following an investigation into the brutal incident that occurred on February 14.
Details of the Crime and Arrests
The victim, identified as Vijaypal Singh, a 38-year-old resident of Dhaulpur in Rajasthan, was found dead in a drain in the Saiya police station area of Agra. This location is near the Uttar Pradesh-Rajasthan border, highlighting the cross-regional nature of the case. An FIR was filed on February 17 under BNS Section 103(1) for murder, based on a complaint from Vijaypal's brother, Hukum Singh, who identified the body.
Police teams were quickly formed, leading to the arrest of Vishnu Kushwah, aged 20, and Amit Shukla, aged 25. According to DCP (Agra West) Aditya, the two accused had hired Vijaypal's autorickshaw for Rs 300. They allegedly consumed liquor in the vehicle and then attempted to sexually assault the driver. When Vijaypal resisted, they brutally assaulted him, forcibly stripped him, pushed him into a drain, and held him underwater until he died.
Investigation and Background of the Accused
The alleged crime took place near the railway overbridge on the Saiya–Iradatnagar road, where Vijaypal's auto was found parked nearby. Police also recovered his clothes and footwear at the spot, providing crucial evidence. During interrogation, the accused revealed that on February 14, they had come to Saiya town crossing, hired the auto to go to Maniyan and return, with plans to be dropped at the Ladukheda bus stand.
Station officer of Saiyan police station, Gurvinder Singh, disclosed that both Kushwah and Shukla are history-sheeters with prior criminal records. Vishnu had spent eight months in jail in a Pocso case, while Amit also faced a case of assault, indicating a pattern of violent behavior.
Impact and Aftermath
Vijaypal Singh is survived by his wife and two children, leaving the family devastated by this tragic loss. The case has drawn attention to issues of safety for auto drivers and the severity of crimes in the region. Police are continuing their investigation to ensure justice is served, emphasizing the importance of swift action in such heinous acts.
Note: This report is based on police statements and ongoing investigations. Further updates may follow as the case progresses through the legal system.
