They'll Finish You Up Too: UP Minister Targets Akhilesh Yadav Over Jhansi Kidnapping, Hapur Encounter

(MENAFN- IANS) Lucknow, Sep 9 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister, O.P. Rajbhar, on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, urging the Kannauj MP to rein in what he described as his Yadav, or 'Ahir', and Muslim, or 'Zahir', supporters, while referring to the kidnapping of a trader in Jhansi and the arrest of a suspected cow slaughter accused following a police encounter in Hapur.

Rajbhar's remarks came after two separate incidents were reported in the state. In Jhansi, a government schoolteacher, Ravi Yadav, and his associate, Vinay Yadav, abducted a snacks trader, identified as Vikas Kumar Gupta, following a minor argument on September 6. The police arrested the two accused within seven hours of the incident.

In another case, two suspected cattle smugglers, identified as Bilal and Zaheer, were arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district following a late-night encounter with the police on September 8.

According to the police, the two arrested men are repeat offenders and have around 24 criminal cases registered against them across Hapur and neighbouring Amroha districts. The cases include allegations related to cow slaughter, theft, violations under the Arms Act and offences registered under the Gangster Act.

The police also said that the accused confessed to their involvement in recent incidents of cattle slaughter in forests located in the local area.

Reacting to both incidents, Rajbhar took to X and said, "Control your 'Ahir' and 'Zahir', Maharaj. They're causing way too much trouble. Not only are they harming society, but they'll end up finishing you off too."

"Just look at yesterday's incident. In Jhansi, your 'Ahir', who's a government teacher, kidnapped a businessman from the Bania community. Though Baba's police have caught him. Meanwhile, in Hapur, your 'Zahir' was arrested after an encounter in a cow slaughter case," Rajbhar said in his post.

The minister also alleged that some criminals were wearing blue outfits similar to the uniform associated with the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena and challenged Akhilesh Yadav to ensure that such individuals were disciplined and prevented from engaging in criminal activities.

"Those criminals you've dressed in blue outfits, copying the uniform of the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena, teach them the same kind of discipline as that Suheldev Sena too. If you can't teach them that, at least make them swear, while sitting in AC and playing PC, not to commit crimes," Rajbhar said.

"Otherwise, your 'Ahir and Zahir' won't even let you win 27 seats in 2027," he added.

Rajbhar's remarks came against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

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