The Kasganj violence that shocked Uttar Pradesh on Republic Day—in which one person was killed— could have been avoided had the police and the district administration been more careful. One of the major reasons for the worsening of the situation was non-deployment of forces in sensitive areas despite intelligence alert about the situation being tense. Not a single policeman was present in the Baddu Nagar area during the Republic Day march.
Second, despite the police hearing about reports of initial clashes in Baddu Nagar area, no steps were taken to ensure that there is adequate police presence to prevent further untoward incidents. When miscreants were fanning violence in Kasganj, cops were busy with Republic Day functions at different places.
Third, when the goons opened fire near a police station, no one came out of the station to deal with the irate mob. It was at this place that Chandan Gupta was shot dead. He tried to reach the rear gate of the police station, but no one came to his rescue. The murder further aggravated the situation.
Even after the murder, there were no serious efforts made to nab the killers. Only after the BJP leaders came out strongly, demanding the arrest of the killers, the police started raiding the house of the accused, who by then, was on the run.
Fifth, even after the district administration managed to summon enough 'force' to deal with the situation, the cops were not deployed properly. The administration had two companies of RAF (Rapid action Force), six companies of PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) and cops summoned from other eight districts at their disposal, but due to their improper deployment, arson and violence continued for next two days.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the violence may not be the result of an impulsive clash between two groups, if the preliminary probe report into the incident is to be believed.
The confidential report, sent to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior officials in the administration, alludes to the fact that miscreants who had instigated violence on that day had political patronage. The report mentioned that killers of Chandan, who died in the violence, have patronage of local leaders. The names of these leaders figure in the report.
Chandan’s killer has been identified as Vaseem Javed. A pistol has been recovered from Javed's residence in the search operations.
The seizure of weapons and country made bombs during search operations also indicate that riot was a part of well thought of conspiracy. So far, the police have deemed that Javed was the mastermind behind the gruesome violence. According to police, his role in the incident is being probed.
Besides, one of the questions that remain unanswered is how the miscreants got hold of the stones which are usually found in the railway tracks.
Meanwhile, various Hindu organisations have been alleging that the riot was the result of a well-thought-out conspiracy. The MP of the area, Rajveer Singh, too has backed the claim.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed shock over the incident and took stock of the situation at his residence. He also held talks with the chief secretary, home secretary and DGP. There are indications that some of the top cops in the district may face music over the incident.
