A nine-year-old boy has died and his 15-year-old cousin is in critical condition after a group of men allegedly attacked them with blunt objects on Saturday night in Pipraich, Gorakhpur district. The incident is reported to have stemmed from an earlier dispute involving alleged harassment of a female relative of the victims.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the deceased has been identified as Saras Singh, a Class 4 student from Araji Basdila in the AIIMS police station area. He was reportedly staying with his maternal aunt in the Pipraich village as his mother had passed away five years prior. His cousin, Shivkumar Singh, who also sustained severe injuries, is currently receiving treatment at the BRD Medical College.
According to police statements, tension had been escalating between two groups following allegations that a Class 11 student from Shivkumar Singh’s family was allegedly harassed by a local youth named Sikandar Sahani. Although the matter was reportedly mediated and settled by a village panchayat, underlying resentment persisted, police sources indicated.
The fatal assault occurred on Saturday evening when Saras and Shivkumar were on their way to a local paan shop. Police reports suggest that members of the rival group intercepted them near Bela crossing and subsequently chased them to a shop, where the alleged attack took place. Shivkumar Singh is believed to have been the primary target of the assault, while Saras Singh reportedly sustained critical injuries while attempting to intervene.
Following the incident, both boys were transported to the Pipraich Community Health Centre. They were later referred to the BRD Medical College, where Saras Singh succumbed to his injuries late on Saturday night. The incident has led to heightened tension in the village, prompting the deployment of additional police forces to maintain order.
In response to the events, Senior Superintendent of Police, Gorakhpur, Dr. Kaustubh, has suspended two police personnel, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Pipraich police station. The action comes amid scrutiny of the local police’s handling of the dispute.
Raju Singh, the father of Shivkumar Singh, filed a complaint with the police, leading to the registration of a murder case against Sikandar Sahani and eight other individuals. The accused have been identified as Hari, Rahul, Sandeep, Vikas, Ratneshwar, Manoj, Roshan, and Vijay, all reportedly residents of Bela Sahwa Tola.
Circle Officer (Chauri Chaura), Kundan Singh, confirmed that raids are currently underway to apprehend the accused. He added that the situation in the area is under control.
The Chenab Times News Desk