New Delhi: A brutal murder in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district has raised fresh concerns over public safety after a man out on bail was chased, stabbed, and his body dragged in public.
The victim, Ashish Chauhan, was an accused in the Rohit Chauhan murder case that took place around 20 months ago. He had recently come out of jail on bail and was staying at his maternal grandparents’ house before returning to his village, Shadipur, on Wednesday.
Chased across villages before killing
According to police and local accounts, Ashish had gone to a liquor shop in Bandipur village when the attackers spotted him and tried to catch him. He fled towards Sirkoni village, but villagers, fearing the accused, shut their doors and did not offer him shelter.
He reportedly hid in a shed, but the attackers found him. They stabbed him more than two dozen times, which led to his death.
Body dragged, video sparks outrage
After killing him, the attackers dragged the body for nearly 200 meters. They then carried it on a motorcycle and dumped it in a wheat field about a kilometer away along Bandipur Road.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media. In one clip, five accused can be seen dragging the body while threatening onlookers. Eyewitnesses remained silent spectators as the incident unfolded.
The attackers also issued threats, saying, “He is the son of Baburam Vakil of Sanghaipur village. Go and tell them.”
Police action and arrests
Following public outrage, the Jaunpur police reached the spot, took custody of the body and registered a case. Later, two accused were arrested after a police encounter.
Jaunpur Superintendent of Police Kunwar Anupam Singh said the murder was linked to an old rivalry. The arrested accused, identified as Dhananjay Chauhan and Shivshankar Chauhan, were injured in the exchange of fire and admitted to hospital.
Police recovered the knife used in the murder, along with an illegal pistol, cartridges, and a motorcycle from their possession. Further investigation is underway.