Mangesh Yadav Encounter Controversy:
Uttar Pradesh police have conducted another encounter, but this time they made some unusual moves beforehand. The individual in question was first declared a wanted criminal, and within 48 hours, the bounty on him was doubled. Subsequently, without bulletproof jackets, police engaged in a high-speed chase and neutralized the criminal who was fleeing on a motorcycle while wearing slippers. Yes, this is the story of the controversial Sultanpur encounter, raising many questions and casting doubts on the police.
28 August 2024, Sultanpur, UP
CCTV footage from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, shook the entire region. The footage showed five armed robbers barging into a jewelry shop in broad daylight, completing the robbery in just four minutes, stealing around ₹1.40 crores.
5 September 2024, Sultanpur, UP
Just nine days later, new footage from UP caused a massive upheaval, putting the police and the state government in a tight spot. Captured in the dark of night, this footage of an encounter was linked to the 28th August robbery captured on CCTV cameras. The new footage purportedly showed the police neutralizing Mangesh Yadav, an accused in the robbery case during a midnight encounter.
Magisterial Inquiry into the Encounter
Now, based on these very pictures, significant questions have arisen about this encounter, leading to a magisterial inquiry ordered by the government to uncover the truth. It is alleged that police nabbed Mangesh Yadav from his house in Jaunpur at around 2:30 AM on 2 September and then killed him on a deserted road in the middle of the night.
Source: aajtak
Encounter on the Night of 4-5 September
Before delving into the allegations against the police, let's talk about the encounter pictures that have put the police in the spotlight. According to the police, these pictures are from the night of 4-5 September. They tried to stop a notorious robber, Mangesh Yadav, and his accomplice while they were fleeing on a bike. During the encounter, Mangesh Yadav was killed after he fired at the police while his accomplice managed to flee under the cover of darkness.
Encounter in Slippers?
However, the pictures show several police officers, including the STF DSP DK Shahi, wearing slippers at the supposed encounter site. This raises significant questions. How did the police officers, dressed so casually, chase dangerous criminals on a muddy, rain-soaked road? Moreover, how did they manage to accurately shoot Mangesh Yadav while he was speeding away on a bike?
No Bulletproof Jackets?
Careful examination of the encounter pictures reveals that the police were not wearing bulletproof jackets during the incident. How could they risk their lives without adequate protection, especially when faced with armed criminals whose bullets could be lethal? Now, let's discuss the FIR filed by the police in connection with this encounter.
The FIR registered by none other than the slipper-wearing DSP states that they had intelligence indicating Mangesh Yadav's movement on the Sultanpur-Jaunpur road. The police claim they followed due procedures, wore bulletproof jackets, and then cornered the criminal. However, the real-time pictures from the scene don't show any bulletproof jackets, contradicting the FIR claims.
Source: aajtak
Stolen Bike Connection?
Aside from the encounter pictures, several other aspects raise questions in this case. One such aspect is the Hero Super Splendor bike allegedly recovered from Mangesh and his accomplice. This bike bore no number plate. Interestingly, this bike connects to a Super Splendor bike reported stolen on 20 August from Jaunpur. The theft report was filed eight days later on the exact day of the Sultanpur robbery. How did the same bike turn up at the encounter scene? Did Jaunpur police delay reporting the bike theft to show it as recovered from Mangesh?
Why Did Mangesh Return to Sultanpur?
According to the police, 14 robbers, divided into three groups, were involved in the Sultanpur jewelry shop heist on 28 August. Mangesh and four others entered the shop while others waited outside. Post-robbery, the police apprehended three robbers on 2 September during another encounter, and the mastermind, Vipin Singh, surrendered the next day on 3 September. Police pressure seemed to be working.
Logic suggests that criminals would flee as far as possible or surrender, as seen with the ringleader. But Mangesh's case is different. According to the police, Mangesh returned to Sultanpur to sell a piece of the looted jewelry. Why would he return to the very place he robbed and where he was most wanted, risking capture?
Was Mangesh Captured Before the Encounter?
Let's see what Mangesh's family from Jaunpur has to say. According to them, the encounter was staged. They claim STF officers abducted Mangesh on the night of 2 September, taking him away from his home. They allege Mangesh was already in police custody before the encounter, and police tricked them into silence, promising his release post-interrogation. Despite their silence, Mangesh was killed.
Source: aajtak
FIR vs. Reality!
The family also refutes Mangesh's involvement in the robbery. Mangesh's sister questions how he could be in two places simultaneously. On 28 August, she claims he was with her, paying her school fees from 10 AM to 2 PM, far away from Sultanpur. How could he participate in the robbery 91 kilometers away?
Two Weapons Found on Mangesh?
Now, let's discuss Mangesh's criminal record. The police records show eight cases of theft and robbery against Mangesh, including the Sultanpur incident, and one case under the Gangster Act. Though he was arrested twice before, he never used weapons. But during the encounter, police reportedly found two weapons on him—a 7.65 MM pistol and a .315 bore country-made gun, along with some cartridges. How could a criminal with no history of weapon possession suddenly carry two guns during the encounter?
Where Did Mangesh's Expensive Items Come From?
A look at Mangesh's house in Jaunpur shows that his family's financial situation wasn't great. However, the police claim they recovered high-profile items from him during the encounter, including an American Tourister bag, three branded T-shirts, two branded shorts, and some of the stolen silver. These items don't align with the family's financial status, raising more questions. Despite these inconsistencies, UP DGP Prashant Kumar steadfastly dismisses all allegations, brushing them off.
In summary, the encounter and the emerging pictures command attention and raise numerous questions. The resolution of these questions remains uncertain and continues to be a point of intense scrutiny.
