Mohd. Sarim Ansari
The fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan in Ghaziabad’s Khoda Colony has triggered widespread public outrage, drawn intense media attention and prompted political calls for action against the accused and their family.
The case has dominated television debates and political discourse since Surya was attacked on May 28 and later died during treatment at a hospital in neighbouring Noida. The main accused, 19-year-old Asad, was killed in a police encounter days later. Demands have since emerged from some political groups seeking demolition of his family’s house, echoing recent calls for “bulldozer action” in criminal cases.
According to police, the dispute began over a motorcycle-related argument between Surya and Asad. Investigators said Asad informed his father, Nawab, and several associates about the altercation, following which the group allegedly decided to confront the teenager.
Police said Surya was intercepted in the Navneet Vihar area on the afternoon of Bakrid. Investigators allege that one of the accused handed Asad a knife while his father encouraged the attack. Surya was stabbed multiple times and succumbed to his injuries the following day. An FIR was registered against five individuals, and police arrested Nawab, Farhan and Aatif.
Authorities said Asad, who was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000, was tracked to the Vasundhara area early on Sunday. Police said he and another suspect attempted to flee and opened fire when challenged. During the exchange, Asad was injured and later died in hospital. A police constable was also wounded, while the second suspect escaped. Officers said they recovered illegal firearms, ammunition and a stolen motorcycle.
However, residents interviewed by Millat Times in Khoda Colony offered a different account of the events leading to the killing. Several locals told reporters that the dispute may have stemmed from a personal rivalry involving a young woman known to both Surya and Asad rather than a disagreement over a motorcycle ride. Reuters could not independently verify those claims.
The case has also sparked debate over media coverage on the ground. During reporting in the area, journalists from local news outlet Millat Times alleged that another reporter was attempting to influence responses from residents while questioning them about the incident. The publication said it had recorded the interaction and later released footage online.
Police have not publicly commented on those allegations. The investigation into the killing remains ongoing.
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