Is Law and Order Deteriorating in Uttar Pradesh? SP Critiques Government After Meerut Woman's Harassment
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four law students were arrested for harassing a woman in Meerut.
- The incident has sparked public outrage and political criticism.
- Uttar Pradesh's law and order situation is being called into question.
- Government officials are being urged to take immediate action.
- Safety for women remains a significant concern in the state.
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Samajwadi Party launched a fierce critique of the Uttar Pradesh government following a disturbing incident in Meerut where four law students reportedly harassed a woman and damaged her vehicle in a busy marketplace. This episode is seen as a stark indication of the declining safety conditions in the state.
The party stated, "Law and order in Uttar Pradesh is in a dire situation" and that "the rule of law has disintegrated".
The shocking event, which has sparked public anger, took place on Tuesday afternoon at Meerut’s lively Abu Lane Market. As per police reports, four LLB students, all in their 20s from Meerut College, were apprehended on Wednesday for supposedly assaulting a 25-year-old woman who manages a local eatery and for violently attacking the car she was in with her business associate.
In an interview with IANS, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad stated: "The state of law and order in Uttar Pradesh is very poor. The rule of law has collapsed, and the government has lost its credibility."
Echoing these sentiments, SP MP Virendra Singh remarked: "We have ceased questioning law and order in UP as such incidents are occurring frequently. A medicine dealer was murdered in broad daylight in Chandauli, and a ten-year-old girl was raped and murdered. When fear dominates the media, society, and officials, questioning these crimes becomes futile."
SP MP Neeraj Kushwaha Maurya added: "Atrocities against women are rampant throughout the state, with no signs of abating. The Samajwadi Party and our national leader, Akhilesh Yadav, have consistently stated that law and order in UP is completely shattered. The entire system is broken."
SP MP Ramji Lal Suman reaffirmed this view, mentioning: "The law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh is very poor. Even with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's repeated assertions that all is well, the reality tells a different story. Crime is escalating, people feel unsafe, and this incident is yet another example of that. "
In defense, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad responded to the criticisms by stating: "Our government ensures that all inhumane, improper, and illegal activities are investigated. Offenders are apprehended and will face justice. Political motives should not be involved in every situation."
A video of the incident surfaced online, showing several young men surrounding the car and smashing it from various angles. This led the police to file a case against the individuals under charges, including attempted murder.
According to the complaint lodged at Sadar Bazaar police station, the woman and her associate were traveling on Tuesday when three youths on a scooter obstructed their path and began striking the vehicle. When the associate attempted to drive away, the trio allegedly called for reinforcements. Near Nishat Cinema, three to four additional men blocked the car, demanding the occupants exit. When the woman refused, one of the accused climbed onto the bonnet, shattered the windshield, destroyed the side mirrors, broke the rear glass, and issued death threats.
Following the viral spread of the videos, police apprehended four LLB students on Wednesday, and further investigations are ongoing.