Kanpur Advocates Stage Massive Protest at Police Station Over Detention of Former Bar Leader
In a dramatic turn of events in Kanpur, a large group of advocates gheraoed the Nawabganj police station and raised loud slogans, creating a tense atmosphere that lasted for nearly ten hours. The protest erupted after police detained former Bar Association general secretary Rakesh Tiwari in connection with the 2021 shooting and murder of advocate Rajaram Verma in the Ganganagar Housing Society, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Nawabganj police station area.
Detention and Escalating Tensions
The situation began to unfold on Wednesday evening when Tiwari was picked up from NRI City by police and a special team. He was initially taken to Police Lines for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder case. Subsequently, he was moved to the Nawabganj police station, where hundreds of advocates followed, gathering outside and creating a ruckus with intense sloganeering.
As the crowd swelled and tensions escalated, authorities were forced to call in one platoon of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) along with additional forces from multiple police stations across the city. These included personnel from Kakadeo, Swaroop Nagar, Kohna, Beconganj, Colonelganj, Gwaltoli, Bajaria, and Rawatpur to manage the volatile situation.
Police Response and Demands of Protesters
In response to the growing unrest, police closed roads on both sides of the police station to control the movement of the advocates and prevent further escalation. The protesters were adamant in their demand for Tiwari's immediate release, arguing that he was being unnecessarily dragged into the murder case without substantial evidence.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Vinod Singh personally reached the spot in an attempt to pacify the agitated advocates. Despite his efforts, the gherao that began in the evening persisted well into the night, continuing until midnight. After nearly ten hours of commotion and sustained pressure from the legal community, Tiwari was released on bond, bringing a temporary calm to the area.
Background of the Case and Reinvestigation
The detention of Rakesh Tiwari is linked to the 2021 murder of advocate Rajaram Verma in the NRI City area. Following the initial investigation, the accused were sent to jail, and a charge sheet was filed in the court. However, the case took a new turn when the victim's son expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation and submitted a complaint letter about 2-3 months ago, demanding a reinvestigation.
Acting on orders received, a reinvestigation was initiated, during which some new names emerged, including that of advocate Rakesh Tiwari. Police officials have indicated that two businessmen who serve as directors of NRI City are also among the names that have surfaced in this renewed probe. JCP Vinod Kumar Singh stated, "Questioning is being conducted. This is part of the investigation," emphasizing the procedural nature of Tiwari's detention.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the legal fraternity and law enforcement in Kanpur, underscoring the complexities involved in high-profile criminal cases and the sensitive nature of reinvestigations that bring new suspects into the spotlight.
