Bareilly Police Encounter: Accused of Harassing Minor Schoolgirl Shot in Uttar Pradesh

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh — In a dramatic turn of events, Bareilly police have shot and apprehended a man accused of harassing a minor schoolgirl, following a swift encounter late Monday night. The incident has drawn widespread attention across Uttar Pradesh, reigniting debates on women’s safety and the state’s approach to handling crimes against minors.

Background: Harassment Complaint and Public Outrage

The incident began last week when a 16-year-old schoolgirl from a local government school in Bareilly filed a complaint with the police, alleging that she was being stalked and harassed by a local youth, identified as Raju (name changed for privacy). According to the complaint, the accused had been following her on her way to school for several days, making lewd comments and even attempting to physically approach her.

The girl’s family, supported by neighbors and local activists, staged a protest outside the police station, demanding immediate action. The case quickly gained traction on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForBareillyGirl trending and several women’s rights groups calling for strict punishment for the accused.

Police Launch Manhunt

Responding to public pressure, Bareilly police formed several teams to locate and arrest the accused. Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Singh stated, “We took the complaint very seriously and launched a manhunt for the suspect. Our priority was the safety of the victim and restoring public confidence.”

After tracing his mobile phone and gathering intelligence from local sources, police located Raju hiding in a sugarcane field on the outskirts of the city. According to officers, when confronted, the accused attempted to escape and allegedly opened fire on the police team.

Encounter and Arrest

In the ensuing chase, police fired back in self-defense. Raju was shot in the leg and apprehended. He was immediately taken to the district hospital for treatment, where doctors confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening. No policemen were reported injured in the operation.

A video of the encounter, showing the accused being carried to a police vehicle and the recovery of a country-made pistol from the scene, quickly went viral on social media. The police have registered a fresh case against Raju for attempted murder, in addition to the charges of harassment and criminal intimidation.

Official Statements and Public Reaction

Speaking to the media, SP Rahul Singh said, “The accused was a repeat offender with several cases registered against him. Today’s encounter sends a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated in Uttar Pradesh. We are committed to ensuring the safety of women and girls in our district.”

The girl’s family expressed relief at the police action. “We were living in fear. Now we feel safe. We thank the police for their prompt response,” said the victim’s father.

Local residents and activists welcomed the police’s decisive action, but some human rights organizations have called for a thorough investigation into the encounter to ensure due process was followed. “While we support strict action against criminals, encounters must always be transparent and within the ambit of the law,” said activist Priya Sharma.

Political Reactions

The incident has also sparked political debate. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the police, tweeting, “There is no place for criminals in UP. Our daughters will be protected at all costs.” Meanwhile, opposition leaders urged the government to focus on preventive measures and better policing to curb such crimes.

Conclusion

The Bareilly encounter has once again highlighted the challenges of ensuring women’s safety in Uttar Pradesh. While the police’s swift action has been lauded by many, the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance, legal reforms, and community engagement to create a safer environment for girls and women across the state.