A shocking incident of broad daylight firing has rocked the Lakhnouti village in the Deoband area of Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district. On May 31, a group of over 20 masked men stormed into the village, brandishing country-made pistols and firing indiscriminately. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, creating widespread fear and anger among locals.
What Happened?
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the attackers arrived on around 20 motorcycles and fired over 40 rounds in the village. During the chaos, a resident named Sanjay Tyagi was shot in the leg, and reports suggest a woman was also injured. The sudden gunfire caused panic in the area, with villagers running for cover. Many now fear sending their children to school.
The Alleged Motive
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the firing stemmed from a personal monetary dispute between Sanjay Tyagi and his nephew. As a result, the attackers — allegedly related to the dispute — launched the assault in broad daylight, catching the villagers off guard.
Rising Crime Concerns in Deoband
Locals say this is not an isolated incident. Deoband, which was once a peaceful area, is reportedly turning into a hub for gang activity and illegal weapons. “Books have been replaced by guns in the hands of youth,” one villager commented, reflecting deep concern over the growing presence of armed gangs in the region.
Outrage Over Police Inaction
The viral video has triggered widespread criticism of the Yogi Adityanath-led government. Opposition leaders have questioned the state's law and order, asking, “Is Deoband not part of Uttar Pradesh? Has the rule of law vanished here?”
Despite four days having passed since the incident, no arrests have been made, fueling public outrage. People are accusing the police of negligence, and the victim’s family continues to seek justice, knocking on the doors of authorities without any concrete response.
Demand for Action
Villagers are now demanding stronger police presence and the immediate arrest of those involved. There is a growing fear that such violent incidents could happen again unless swift action is taken.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in parts of Uttar Pradesh.
