Uttar Pradesh / Probe in Kanpur firing case handed over to Special Task Force

Kanpur: After 8 police personnel from the Uttar Pradesh Police lost their lives in a shoot-out in Kanpur while trying to arrest notorious gangster Vikas Dubey on 3 July, investigations have now pointed towards the role of an SHO from the city's Chaubepur Police Station in the matter.

The SHO, Vinay Tiwari, has been suspended and the investigation of the case has been handed over to a Special Task Force (STF). It is being learnt that Tiwari, who was also a part of the operations on 3 July, was close to Vikas Dubey and may have tipped him off about the police action. Tiwari had fallen behind the rest of the police contingent during the operation and his call records have revealed that his was in constant touch with Dubey.

'SHO Ran Away From The Police Contingent'

The Special Task Force is now interrogating Tiwari. A departmental probe has also been ordered in the matter.

Speaking on the developments, IG Zone, Kanpur, Mohit Agarwal said:

"Forces from 40 police stations have been deployed to investigate the case. SHO of Chaubepur Police Station, Vinay Tiwari, has been suspended. During the encounter Tiwari ran from the spot. If he had stood his ground and faced the miscreants and also fired in response, then the situation would not have come to this."

The officer further added that the illegal properties amassed by the accused will be destroyed and once caught, they will be charged under the National Security Act and the Gangster Act.

Father Of Slain Policeman Raises Questions

The family of one of the slain policemen, Rahul, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Auraiya, have raised questions on the actions of the police and the administration.

Speaking to media as Rahul's last remains were brought into their village, his father, Om Kumar and elder sister Nandini, alleged that his life was taken by those in the police organisation who betrayed the organisation itself. Someone must have informed Dubey about the encounter, they said.

They also raised questions on proper gear and equipment for police personnel on the frontlines.

"Why are the police not given helmets and other equipment? The government does not support the police which is why such incidents happen. If they were going for an encounter, why were they not completely prepared? There are over 20 policemen on average who are deployed for the security of politicians, but where is the security of those policemen?" asked Nandini.

In his last call to his family, Rahul had informed them about the encounter and that he was going as a part of the team. His father had asked him to be careful.