The man behind Thursday's violence in Mathura, which left 24 dead and several injured, is believed to have died in the gun battle that ensued between members of his cult, Swadhin Bharat Subhash Sena, and police, reported dna. Police said they have identified the body of Ramvriksh Yadav, the head of the cult whose followers were living illegally inside a 270-acre camp at Jawahar Bagh.
“Some of the dead in the Mathura operation were identified. Ramvriksh Yadav’s body was identified by associates. Family has been intimated for final confirmation,” Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed said on Twitter. His body was reportedly identified by his followers, reported The Hindu. The clashes started when police tried to evict around 2,000 illegal occupants from the area following an Allahabad High Court ruling.
Station Officer of Farah Santosh Yadav and Superintendent of Police (City) Mathura Mukul Dwivedi died in the violence. Police have arrested at least 368 people in connection with the incident. Investigators have also recovered a huge cache of arms from the site.
On Friday, Mathura District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar were suspended for failing to handle the situation better. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!