A 45-year-old computer teacher was brutally shot dead while taking a late-night walk on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the academic community and triggering a major police investigation.
The Fatal Night Walk
The victim, identified as Rau Danish Ali, was walking with a group of friends near the Maulana Azad Library canteen around 9 pm when the attack occurred. Ali, who had been teaching at the ABK School on the AMU campus for over a decade, was intercepted by two unidentified assailants who approached from behind.
According to eyewitness accounts given to the police, one of the attackers issued a chilling verbal threat to Ali, saying, "Don't know me yet, now you will," moments before opening fire. The assailants fired 6-7 shots from close range, with four bullets striking Ali in the head and one in his arm. He collapsed on the spot immediately.
Immediate Aftermath and Police Response
AMU security personnel rushed to the area upon hearing the gunshots, but the attackers had already fled the scene on a two-wheeler. Ali was quickly taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) by his brother and others, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Following the shooting, police teams cordoned off the crime scene and began a detailed forensic examination. An FIR has been registered at the Civil Lines police station in Aligarh on the complaint of Ali's brother, Dr Rau Faraz, under sections 103(1) (murder) and 109(1) (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Neeraj Kumar Jadaun stated that multiple police teams are working on the case. "The crime scene has been examined. CDR and other technical evidence have been taken by police. Cops will soon arrest those responsible," Jadaun said. He added that the motive behind the killing is not yet clear and all angles are being examined.
Victim's Profile and Ongoing Investigation
Rau Danish Ali is survived by his wife, two children, and his parents, who are retired AMU employees. In a tragic twist, the family was reportedly scheduled to embark on the Islamic pilgrimage of ‘Umrah’ soon.
SSP Jadaun noted that eyewitnesses have indicated the possibility that the attackers were known to the victim, a line of inquiry the police are pursuing. CCTV footage from nearby locations is being scanned and a manhunt has been launched to trace the unidentified assailants.
In response to the incident, AMU Proctor Mohd Wasim Ali confirmed that the university administration is coordinating closely with the police and has stepped up security arrangements across the entire campus. The killing has raised serious concerns about safety within the university premises.
