Questions are being raised about the Mangesh Yadav encounter related to the Sultanpur robbery case, with the opposition continually challenging the Yogi government and its police. The most severe accusation was from Mangesh's family post-encounter. They argue that Mangesh was in Jaunpur, not Sultanpur, on August 28, the day of the incident. However, on Thursday, UP Police brought out a video alleging Mangesh Yadav was inside a jewelry store with a stolen motorcycle for the robbery. The UP Police Chief, during a press conference on Thursday, presented 3 videos and 2 photos, declaring all allegations baseless.
On Thursday, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav once again questioned the Mangesh Yadav encounter, stating it was not an encounter but a murder. He claimed police came in the night and took Mangesh away. He pointed out that strategies are crafted even for encounters. While the Samajwadi Party office was questioning the UP Police regarding the Mangesh Yadav encounter, the UP Police DG in Lucknow presented a video as evidence to the media. In response to Mangesh Yadav's sister's claim that Mangesh was in Jaunpur on August 28th, the day of the Sultanpur robbery, UP Police provided two pieces of evidence.
The first video shows the robbery at a jewelry store in Sultanpur on August 28. The police claim the man in the turquoise shirt is Mangesh Yadav, who arrived wearing a helmet. Alongside this video, UP Police released a photo explaining that Ankit, Arbaz, Mangesh Yadav, Anuj Pratap Singh, and Furqan had entered the store for the robbery. In other words, UP Police countered the claim that Mangesh was in Jaunpur on the day of the Sultanpur robbery with CCTV footage, photos, and confessions from the main accused, indicating Mangesh was directly involved.
Source: aajtak
Police Refute Claims by Mangesh's Mother and Sister
The second major allegation involved in the Mangesh Yadav encounter was that police took him three days before the encounter for questioning. In response, UP Police presented two videos during a press conference on Thursday, refuting the claims made by Mangesh’s mother and sister. Mangesh’s sister claimed police came at 2 AM, slapped Mangesh, and took him for questioning.
This statement by Mangesh Yadav's sister raised numerous questions over the past eight days about UP Police's involvement. While his sister tearfully stated that police took Mangesh away on the night of September 2, UP Police released two videos from that same night showing that police arrived at Mangesh's house in Jaunpur searching for him. According to UP Police, Mangesh's family initially said he had gone to Mumbai. So why are they now claiming that police took him on September 2?
Source: aajtak
Adequate Evidence Against the Accused: DGP
Critics also alleged that although Mangesh was implicated in eight theft and robbery cases, his home was not in good condition, while police displayed branded bags and clothes found with him post-encounter. Responding, UP Police stated everything was backed by evidence and would be proved in court.
During a press conference, UP DGP Prashant Kumar stated that the police department operates without bias based on caste or other factors. There is sufficient evidence against those identified in the Sultanpur heist, including Mangesh Yadav. The police have concrete evidence of his involvement. The police’s actions are impartial and evidence-based. DGP presented CCTV footage asserting that Mangesh himself entered the store and committed the robbery.
