Residents of Ghazipur took to the streets on Monday morning, blocking the Akshardham-Ghaziabad road in response to the fatal shooting of a young man in their community. The protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident, which occurred late Sunday night in Delhi’s Ghazipur locality.
The victim, identified as Rohit, was reportedly shot around 2 a.m. by assailants described by witnesses as “jihadists.” According to Virender Singh, a local resident and protester, Rohit was a member of the Gujar community and had been vocal against the illegal activities and dominance of certain groups in the area. Singh stated, “He spoke out against their control and illegal businesses, which led to this tragic outcome. He was shot twice and died on the spot.”
Rohit, who lived with his maternal uncle after losing his father, was the eldest of four brothers. His untimely death has left the family and the community in shock and mourning.
Police officials confirmed the shooting, stating that they received reports of an injured man and found Rohit at the hospital with gunshot wounds. Vineet Kumar, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police for East District, indicated that two individuals have been detained in connection with the case, and multiple teams are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Charges have been filed under the Arms Act and for homicide.
The protests have been fueled by frustrations over perceived inaction from law enforcement. Chaudhary Karam Singh Rawat, another protester, expressed anger towards the Delhi Police and the administration, claiming that they could have apprehended the suspects by now. “We are suffering because of this. If we don’t get justice, there will be violence and bloodshed. The road will be blocked until we get justice,” he warned.
The protesters have raised concerns about the presence of Rohingya Muslims in the area, alleging that they have settled with financial backing and are involved in illegal activities. This has added a layer of tension to the already volatile situation, as community members feel that their safety and rights are being compromised.
As the police continue their investigation, they are working to establish the victim’s identity and the motive behind the shooting, which remains unclear at this time. The community’s demand for justice reflects a broader concern about safety and law enforcement’s ability to protect residents from violence and crime.
The situation in Ghazipur highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local communities in addressing crime and ensuring justice. As protests continue, the authorities are under pressure to respond effectively to the demands of the residents and restore a sense of security in the area.