In the bustling atmosphere of Gulavathi's new vegetable market (गुलावठी नवीन सब्जी मंडी), a distressing incident unfolded on a Sunday morning that jolted the local community. A young man, identified as belonging to a different community, was accused of pouring hot oil on a teenage boy. This shocking act of violence not only caused severe injuries to the teenager but also harmed another bystander. In the wake of this horrifying event, the injured teenager was quickly taken to a medical facility in Meerut for urgent care, while the other affected individual received treatment at a local hospital.

The incident sparked outrage among the local population, leading to tumultuous scenes. A group of women, driven by a strong demand for justice, gathered at the police station, their anguish and anger culminating in chaotic protests. The growing tension led to a significant roadblock on the highway, paralyzing the usual flow of traffic and drawing more attention to the incident. The agitation among the people grew so intense that a collective decision was made to shut down the market in protest. This act of closure was a clear message from the community, expressing their distress and calling for immediate action against the perpetrators. The situation finally began to calm down following assurances from the authorities that the accused would be arrested and a formal report would be filed to ensure accountability.

In the midst of this turmoil, the narrative of 14-year-old Vikas Saini emerged, painting a vivid picture of the events. Residing in Mohalla Shyaudatt, Vikas, who worked at the new grain market and was a wholesale vegetable vendor, became an unintended victim of the violent incident. After completing his purchase of vegetables, Vikas was standing at the vegetable cart when Abunasar, the son of another vegetable vendor, approached him. It was then that Abunasar allegedly initiated the confrontation by demanding money, leading to the tragic escalation that ensued.

Dispute Over Payment for Vegetables

The incident took a severe turn when an argument broke out between Vikas and Abunasar, leading to a distressing situation where hot oil was poured over Vikas. This dangerous act not only injured Vikas but also affected Subhash Saini, a resident of Mohalla Fazrulla, who found himself caught in the turmoil. Both individuals sustained serious injuries due to this heated confrontation. The chaos that ensued at the scene was palpable, with Vikas having to be urgently transported to Meerut in a critical state. Subhash, on the other hand, received medical attention at a hospital in Bulandshahr, highlighting the gravity of the situation that unfolded.

In the aftermath of this violent event, legal actions began to take shape. SSP Shlok Kumar provided an update on the case, revealing that Raju Saini, the uncle of Vikas, stepped forward to file a formal complaint. The report meticulously named Abunasar, Avaj, and Shaukeen as the main suspects in this case. This legal document marked the beginning of a pursuit for justice, as the police actively embarked on a mission to bring the accused individuals into custody for questioning, aiming to unravel the events that led to this tragic incident.

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to a seemingly mundane transaction that turned sour. Local sources disclosed that the dispute originated from a transaction involving eggplants. Vikas had previously purchased these vegetables from a vendor, where a minor discrepancy in price became a point of contention. The vendor charged Rs. 15 per kilogram, slightly above the usual price of Rs. 14, leading to a disagreement over the payment. This financial dispute took an unexpectedly violent turn when Abunasar, the vendor's son, retaliated by pouring hot oil on Vikas, escalating the situation to a dangerous level.

Police Accused of Favoring the Perpetrator

In the wake of the violent altercation, tensions between the community and law enforcement escalated. Family members of the victim, feeling a sense of injustice, proceeded to the police station, their hearts heavy with grief and anger, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the heinous act. Allegations quickly surfaced, accusing the police of showing undue favoritism toward the perpetrator, which fueled the community's outrage even further. The emotional turmoil led to women from the victim’s family taking to the streets, causing a significant traffic disruption at Shaheed Chowk. The situation at the chowk became critical until some individuals managed to clear the traffic jam, easing the immediate tension.

However, the family’s quest for justice did not end there. The determined women then converged outside the police station, their presence a silent yet powerful demand for action. The arrival of ASP City Shankar Prasad and CO Purnima Singh at the scene marked a turning point. Their assurances of taking appropriate action against the accused brought a glimmer of hope to the aggrieved family and onlookers. It was only after the formal filing of the report that a semblance of peace began to prevail, offering a momentary respite in the midst of the chaos.

Market Closed Amidst Protest

The atmosphere of dissent and demand for justice had a notable impact on the local economy and social life. The market, usually a bustling center of trade and social interaction, stood silent as a protest against the violence and perceived injustices. SSP Shlok Kumar provided insight into the incident, indicating that it stemmed from a minor altercation that unfortunately escalated into a physical confrontation. Information pointed to the involvement of three individuals, with accusations coming from both sides. The police, upon gathering statements and assessing the situation, initiated legal proceedings to address the grievances and restore law and order.

The gravity of the injuries sustained during the altercation necessitated advanced medical care, leading to the involved youths being referred to a higher medical center. This move not only aimed at providing them with the necessary medical attention but also served as a testament to the seriousness with which the authorities were treating the incident. As the legal and medical responses unfolded, the community awaited the restoration of normalcy, reflecting on the profound impact of the day’s events on their lives and the fabric of their society.

SSP City and CO Arrive at the Station Three Hours Later

The incident at the Gulavathi vegetable market, located within the Gulavathi Agricultural Produce Market Committee's premises, continued to evoke strong reactions throughout the day. Allegations of delayed response marred the law enforcement's handling of the crisis, with aggrieved families and community members pointing out that SSP City and CO took nearly three hours to arrive at the station. This delay contributed to the prolonged tension and unrest within the area.

Despite these challenges, there was a gradual return to normalcy. About four hours after the peak of the chaos, shopkeepers began to reopen the market, signaling a cautious step towards routine. The incident, particularly distressing due to the alleged attack on Vikas Saini involving boiling oil, had galvanized a significant segment of the community. In response to the violence, a diverse group comprising angry locals, women, and members of various Hindu organizations converged at the police station, united in their demand for the arrest of those responsible for the heinous act.

The situation began to de-escalate following the intervention of CO Prabhari Inspector Samer Bahadur Singh, whose assurances of taking necessary action helped pacify the crowd. Notably, the market shutdown served as a potent symbol of the community's protest and solidarity with the victims.

As the officials, including SSP City Shankar Prasad and CO Purnima Singh, arrived at the scene, they were met by influential figures like municipal chairman Shailash Tevatiya, Rajesh Agrawal, Kuldeep Singhal, Adesh Chauhan, businessman leader Kuldeep Modi, Rajiv Saini, Raju Saini, and Member of Parliament Himanshu Saini, along with Himanshu Goyal and Gagan Prajapati. These leaders collectively pressed for stringent action against the culprits, culminating in a formal report to address the incident thoroughly.

The city has since regained a semblance of peace, with the police maintaining a vigilant presence, especially in sensitive areas. Police Captain Shlok Kumar provided a perspective on the incident, characterizing it as a minor dispute that escalated into a physical altercation between two sides, involving six individuals altogether. This altercation was reportedly triggered by the controversial spilling of boiling oil, leading to the unfortunate series of events that unfolded in Gulavathi.

Deployment of Armed Border Security Force Personnel

In response to the escalating situation and to ensure public safety, a significant security measure was implemented at Saini Dharmshala Chowk. Armed personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) were deployed, marking an increase in security presence in the area. This deployment aimed to stabilize the situation and provide a sense of safety and order to the residents. Alongside the BSF, the local police force also maintained a strong presence, indicating the seriousness with which the authorities were addressing the incident.

The law enforcement’s proactive approach extended to tracking down and apprehending those involved in the conflict. The police successfully detained two individuals, a move facilitated by the pressure exerted to arrest the suspects implicated in the initial incident. Despite these efforts, the primary accused in the case remain at large, evading capture. The ongoing manhunt and the visible increase in security personnel reflect the intensive efforts being undertaken to bring the culprits to justice and prevent any further unrest in the community.