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| Asaduddin Owaisi | Image Source : IndiaToday |
New Delhi, AYT News | All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi has sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, specifically targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, over the recent police encounter in Bahraich, which left two accused injured. This incident follows communal violence in Bahraich where a 22-year-old, Ram Gopal Mishra, was killed, sparking widespread tension and subsequent police action. Owaisi's critique centers on what he describes as the 'thok denge' policy of the UP CM, suggesting an approach of summary justice rather than due legal process. "If the police had sufficient evidence, they should have pursued legal punishment for the accused instead of resorting to what appears to be extrajudicial measures," Owaisi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the encounter's legitimacy.
The UP Police had reported that the encounter occurred when two of the five accused, Sarfaraz and Mohd Talim, attempted to escape to Nepal during a weapon recovery operation near the border. This explanation, however, has not quenched the political firestorm, with opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and Congress also condemning the encounter, accusing the government of using such incidents to mask administrative failures. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar, defended the police action, stating that the situation was now under control and the encounter was necessary to prevent the escape of criminals. Despite this, the political fallout continues, with Owaisi's comments reflecting a broader sentiment among critics who argue that such encounters might signal a breakdown in law and order rather than its enforcement.
The Bahraich violence and the subsequent encounter have not only ignited political debate but also raised questions about policing methods, human rights, and the rule of law in one of India's most populous states. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these events might influence public perception and upcoming political narratives in Uttar Pradesh.