UP Police suspend four personnel over Noida shooting
What's the story
The Uttar Pradesh Police has suspended four personnel after a trainee sub-inspector opened fire on two civilians in Noida's Sector 122 on Saturday night. While the shooter has been sent to jail, the three other policemen accompanying him have been suspended. The victims were injured in the firing, and one of them is currently in a critical condition.
Quote
Samajwadi Party targets UP cops for shooting to get promotions
"Innocent man named Jitendra Yadav shot in the neck in another failed encounter bid by @noidapolice in Noida. @UPGovt trying best to keep the issue away from the media...@Uppolice officers shooting innocents for promotions," tweeted Samajwadi Party spokesperson Pankhuri Pathak.
Motivation
UP Police think that the shooting was over personal enmity
While the exact motivation behind the shooting isn't known as of now, family members of one of the victims said that it was a fake encounter wherein the duo was shot because of their caste. However, UP Police said that the shooting took place because of personal enmity, based on the fact that the sub-inspector knew the elder brother of one of the victims.
Quote
UP Police dismiss fake encounter claims
"This is certainly not a case of an encounter. Prima facie it seems a case of personal enmity. We are verifying everything," said area SSP Love Kumar.
Police encounters
UP Police under NHRC scanner
However, despite the UP Police's assertion that the shooting took place over personal enmity, others seem less convinced. The UP Police have been in the news of late for ruthlessly pursuing criminals. With over 920 encounters since Yogi Adityanath took office, the UP Police is currently under the scanner of the National Human Rights Commission for alleged human rights violations.