Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Nearly a week after 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan was stabbed to death in Ghaziabad’s Khoda area, the locality remains tense despite a series of major developments in the case. What began as a murder on May 28 has evolved into one of Uttar Pradesh’s most closely watched criminal investigations, involving arrests, a police encounter, administrative action and a large-scale crackdown across the region.
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The killing of the teenager on Bakrid sparked widespread anger among residents and quickly became the focus of discussion across Ghaziabad and neighbouring districts. Although police have arrested several accused and the main accused, Asad, was killed in a police encounter, normalcy has yet to return to Khoda.
According to police, Surya was attacked around 3.30 pm on May 28 in Navneet Vihar following an alleged dispute linked to a motorcycle.
Family members claim he was called to the location through a phone call and was then surrounded and attacked by Asad and his associates. He suffered multiple stab injuries and later died at a Noida hospital.
The murder triggered protests and demands for strict action against all those involved. Police launched an intensive manhunt, arresting three accused while Asad remained absconding. A reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for information leading to his arrest.
The case took a dramatic turn on the night of May 30–31 when police received information that Asad was attempting to collect money before fleeing. A joint team of Khoda and Indirapuram police intercepted him.
According to police, Asad opened fire during the operation, prompting retaliatory firing in which he sustained fatal injuries. One police officer was also injured.
Police have since arrested Nawab, Farhan and Atif for their alleged roles in the conspiracy and attack. Another accused, Sarik Mewati, remains absconding and search operations continue.
ROAD NAMED AFTER SURYA
As public attention around the case grew, several political leaders and local representatives visited Surya Chauhan’s family.
Former BJP MLA Sangeet Som provided financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh, while BJP MLA Nandkishore Gurjar and Cabinet Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma assured the family of justice.
Former MLA Amarpal Sharma announced that a road or intersection in Khoda would be named after Surya Chauhan. He also said employment assistance would be provided to Surya’s elder brother.
The family recently immersed Surya’s ashes in the Ganga at Haridwar. Despite the support received from public representatives and community members, family members say they are still awaiting complete justice and strict action against all accused.
Following the encounter, authorities also initiated proceedings against the residence linked to the family of the main accused, issuing a notice regarding alleged illegal construction and encroachment.
Authorities have meanwhile launched a three-day special drive called ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ across Khoda. Senior officials, including District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar and DCP Dhaval Jaiswal, visited the area as search operations were conducted using drones, sniffer dogs and surveillance equipment.
SITUATION REMAINS TENSE
On the ground, tension remains visible in Navneet Vihar and nearby areas. Heavy police deployment continues, drone surveillance remains active, and security personnel are conducting regular patrols.
Many markets are still witnessing reduced activity due to security concerns and the steady flow of visitors, media teams and social organisations. Residents say that while immediate fears have subsided, the emotional impact of the murder continues to be felt.
With investigations ongoing and one accused still absconding, residents remain focused on whether the legal process will ultimately deliver justice in one of Uttar Pradesh‘s most high-profile murder cases of the year.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
