Khour, Aug 8: Tensions flared in Khour and Sainth as residents staged angry protests following a violent attack on journalists Atul Sudan and Ashwani Bhardwaj. Demonstrators accused the local police of inaction and demanded strong legal action against the accused, including charges under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
In Khour, a large number of youth marched through the main market on Friday, raising slogans demanding justice and condemning the police administration. Protestors expressed outrage over what they called repeated failures by local authorities to curb criminal activities in the area.
Local leader Shambhu Sharma openly criticized the functioning of the police station, calling for the immediate transfer of the Station House Officer (SHO). “If the SHO cannot ensure justice in such a serious matter, he has no business remaining in charge,” Sharma said.
Former Panch Mangesh highlighted a pattern of unchecked criminal activity, including cattle smuggling, drug trafficking, and loot. “The police have ignored previous warnings. Now, attacks are targeting even common workers and journalists,” he said.
Sumit Sharma, one of the protestors, termed the assault “a direct blow to democracy” and warned that such acts have instilled fear in society. He further demanded action against illegal constructions on government land, allegedly linked to proceeds from smuggling, and called for bulldozer-led demolitions on the lines of recent crackdowns in Uttar Pradesh.
In Sainth village, a similar protest took place a day earlier. Locals alleged that police apathy has emboldened criminal elements. They cited a series of unaddressed incidents in the region, including thefts, attacks on police checkpoints, and drug-related activities between Bawe Talab and Daskal Chowk.
Residents also claimed that the FIR in the journalists’ assault case was registered under bailable sections, omitting serious charges such as attempt to murder, use of deadly weapons, and extensive property damage. They pointed to a recent attack on a Forest Department officer’s vehicle that went unacted upon, despite a formal complaint lodged with Kanachak Police Station.
Protesters in both locations raised slogans including “We Want Justice,” “Wake Up Police Administration,” and “End the Goondaraj.” They warned that protests would escalate if swift and strict action is not taken against those responsible.
Among those who participated in the demonstrations were Anil Sharma, Dheeraj Khajuria, Gourav Sharma, Kartik, Vishav Chib, Parshotam Sharma, Amit Khajuria, Mohit Sharma, Sahil Kumar, Vinay, Vishal Kumar, Gulshan Manhas, Deepak Manhas, Sumit Magyal, Pawan Kumar, Summy, Ankush Sharma, Rohit Manhas, Neeraj Sharma, Vishal Rajput, Akhil Rajput, Keshav, Deepak, Vishal, Nikhil, Raghunath, Sahil Chib, Sunil, and others.
