Police on Wednesday arrested Yogesh Raj, the main accused in the violence that erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr in December after an alleged incident of cow slaughter, ANI reported. A police officer and a 20-year-old man were killed in the violence on December 3.
Raj, a Bajrang Dal leader, is also the complainant in the alleged cow slaughter case. He was arrested from Khurja in Bulandshahr at 11.30 pm on Wednesday, PTI reported. Raj had issued a video statement a few days after the mob violence, denying any role in the incident.
Siyana Circle Officer Raghvendra Kumar Mishra confirmed the arrest on Thursday morning. “Raj is undergoing medical examination and would be produced in the local court later today for legal proceedings,” he said.
Senior Superintendent of Police P Chaudhary said Raj is being questioned. “His statements are being recorded, it will be presented before a court,” ANI quoted him as saying.
Bajrang Dal leader Praveen Bhati claimed Raj was innocent. “We will provide him legal assistance,” Bhati told ANI. “We will do whatever is good for him. We’ll present everything before the court [and] we are sure he will be acquitted of all the charges.”
Satish and Vineet, also accused of violence, had surrendered in a local court in Bulandshahr earlier on Wednesday. Azhar, an accused in the cow slaughter case, had also surrendered.
Raj’s arrest comes three days after a key accused in the murder of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh during the mob violence was arrested from Bulandshahr’s Aurangabad area. Kalua had allegedly attacked Singh with an axe.
Police had earlier arrested Prashant Natt in connection with Singh’s death. Natt is suspected to have snatched Singh’s revolver and shot him in the head.
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!