Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Jun 23: In a disturbing case of mob violence, Yuvraj Verma, a resident of Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly beaten to death in Bhopal's Ibrahim Ganj area last week following a street altercation. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Hanuman Ganj police station and has since triggered widespread outrage and political condemnation.
Police said the altercation, which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over right of way, quickly escalated, leading to the fatal assault. Verma was left unconscious and bleeding on the roadside before being discovered by police and rushed to Hamidia Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being admitted.
Speaking to IANS, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rakesh Singh Baghel said, “The victim was lying in a pool of blood. Initially, there were no visible serious injuries, but he likely died due to internal trauma. We’re awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death.”
According to preliminary investigation, the accused were not acquainted with the victim, and the clash appears to have been spontaneous. Baghel noted that the confrontation may have started as a dispute over passage on a crowded street.
When questioned about whether the accused were armed participants in a religious procession held earlier in the area, ACP Baghel clarified that while some individuals may have attended the procession, there was no evidence that they were carrying weapons at the time of the incident. “The incident occurred almost two hours after Lord Ram’s procession concluded. Adequate police forces were present during the event,” he said.
Verma had been visiting relatives in Ibrahim Ganj when the fatal encounter occurred. Police have launched a manhunt to identify and arrest those involved. “Multiple teams have been formed, and we’re working on tracking the culprits. None of them were known to the victim,” ACP Baghel confirmed.
The incident has ignited a political firestorm in Madhya Pradesh, with the Congress party slamming the BJP-led government over what it calls a deteriorating law and order situation. State Congress President Jitu Patwari and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh visited Hamidia Hospital on Monday to meet the bereaved family, calling for swift justice and accountability.
As investigations continue, the incident remains under close public and political scrutiny, with calls growing louder for stronger action against mob violence.