– Zaina Aman
In Khatai village, Bijnor district, a 55-year-old woman named Razia reportedly died following a police raid at her residence on Monday. The woman’s family alleges that the police’s conduct during the raid led to her death from a panic attack.
According to Razia’s son, Nasim, a team of four police constables entered their home based on a tip-off suggesting that beef was stored there. The family claims the officers behaved inappropriately, ransacking their home and mistreating the women present. Nasim asserts that his mother experienced a severe panic attack due to the officers’ actions and subsequently died at a local clinic.
In response to the incident, local leaders, including Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Kumar Paras, have demanded accountability from the police. Paras led a delegation to the district police chief’s office, insisting on strict action against the officers involved. “It is crucial that we ensure the police and other entities do not harass the local population,” Paras stated.
However, Jai Bhagwan Singh, Station House Officer (SHO) of Kiratpur police station, disputed the claim that the raid contributed to Razia’s death, attributing it instead to her pre-existing asthma condition. He noted that Razia had been under treatment for several years.
Bijnor Superintendent of Police Abhishek Jha has announced that the officers involved have been reassigned to police lines, pending an investigation. Jha also confirmed that an inquiry is underway to determine whether the officers’ actions or the initial tip-off were to blame. Legal action will be pursued based on the investigation’s findings.
This incident underscores the critical need for sensitivity and accountability in police operations. Ensuring respectful and lawful conduct during such interventions is essential to prevent tragic outcomes and maintain public trust in law enforcement.
