Bulandshahr Violence: All the Key Developments

Video Producer: Shohini Bose

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar

Inspector Subodh Kumar and civilian Sumit were killed in the clashes that ensued in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr over alleged cow-slaughter after carcasses of cows were found dumped in a forest outside Mahaw village. A Tehsildar, who was one of the first administrative officers to reach the spot, said the head and skin of a dead cow was hung in a sugarcane field.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the case.

Here are the key developments of the incident:

• Clashes broke out at Chingravati police chowki where a mob from Mahav village had gathered. An eyewitness claimed around 300-500 people assembled and attacked the entire police force.
  
• Subodh Kumar, former investigating officer in Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case, was shot at, hit and killed by a mob. A civilian Sumit also suffered a bullet injury during the protests, to which he later succumbed.
  
• Inspector Subodh Kumar’s family said that he was a secular, honest man and that he is yet to get justice. His sister has alleged that he was killed because he was investigating Akhlaq’s case.
  
• The deceased civilian Sumit was originally named in the FIR as an accused. His family, however, claims he was caught in the crossfire and has demanded that his name be dropped from the FIR.
  
• At least 27 people have been named in the FIR relating to the mob violence. Four have been arrested in connection with the clashes. Three have been sent to judicial custody.
  
• Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj is an accused in the case, but he remains at large. BJP youth wing member Shikhar Agrawal and VHP member Upendra Raghav have also been named.
  
• Bulandshahr police has denied rumours of the incident being linked to the 3-day Muslim congregation in Bulandhsahr’s Dariyapur. Various questions have emerged regarding why would someone who actually want to slaughter a cow leave the carcass lying in public view as well as how could so many people have assembled so quickly, suggesting a larger conspiracy.
  
• The kin of the accused have alleged that the police indulged in vandalism and intimidation. The wife of Rajkumar – on whose farm the cattle was found – said that the police vandalised their house, despite them denying any involvement.
  
• Governor Ram Naik has condemned the incident and said that “whatever the reason may be, such incidents cannot be allowed.”
  
• Amnesty India has urged UP CM Yogi Adityanath to take responsibility for the mob violence, and the National Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report from the UP government.