Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Lucknow, Sep 17: The Gorakhpur police on Wednesday arrested Rahim Khan, the prime accused in the murder of NEET aspirant Deepak Gupta, following an encounter in which Khan sustained injuries. He was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment. During the operation, police recovered a pistol and a motorcycle from his possession.

Deepak Gupta, a medical aspirant, was allegedly killed by cattle smugglers in Gorakhpur on Monday, and Rahim Khan had been named as one of the key suspects. Gorakhpur Senior Superintendent of Police Raj Karan Nayyar confirmed that four people have been arrested in connection with the case so far, while two others remain absconding.

According to Nayyar, Khan opened fire on the police when he was cornered, prompting the police to retaliate. The exchange resulted in Khan being injured and subsequently apprehended. Two other accused, Chhotu and Raju, are currently under interrogation as the investigation continues. The police have announced rewards for the arrest of the absconding suspects and deployed five dedicated teams to track them down.

The murder sparked public outrage, with Deepak Gupta’s family staging protests demanding justice. The case has drawn political attention as well. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav criticised the government over the incident and questioned the law and order situation in the state, particularly in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s home district.

Yadav raised doubts about the timing and authenticity of the police encounter, alleging it was pre-planned. He claimed the operation was orchestrated during a senior officer’s visit and took place while his party was holding a press conference. He also argued that encounters are not a solution to law and order issues and accused the administration of assigning police posts based on caste rather than merit.

The SP chief further alleged that individuals involved in cow slaughter had links to the ruling BJP and accused the government of using police encounters to cover up its administrative failures.