Kasganj (UP): Family members of Chandan Gupta, who was killed in clashes that broke out during a Republic Day rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Kasganj town last week, were provided security after his father alleged that he received threats, police said on Friday.
Sushil Gupta, the father of the 22-year-old college student, alleged that he was sitting outside his house when some people on a bike rode up and threatened him.
“Our lives are under threat, we demand licence for firearms for our safety and security,” he told reporters here.
Security was provided to Chandan’s family after his father’s allegation, a senior police official told mediapersons.
Communal clashes broke out in the western-UP town after stones were pelted during a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ rally to celebrate Republic Day on January 26.
Police said when people reached a minority community-dominated locality, and the “anti-social elements” pelted stones and opened fire.
In the firing, Chandan was killed and two others were injured.
A cheque of Rs2 million (Dh114,507) was given to Chandan’s family members, who demanded that martyr status be accorded to him.
The police arrested the main accused, Saleem, but his two brothers charged with the murder are absconding. Combing operations have been intensified to nab the brothers, Naseem and Waseem.
Additional DG (Law and Order) Anand Kumar said according to the FIR and statements by some of the witnesses, Saleem opened fire from the roof or balcony of his house that killed the college student.
The UP government has come under fire over the clashes, with Governor Ram Naik terming the Kasganj violence a “blot” on the state. Opposition parties have also attacked the state government over the clashes.