UP Government Teacher Shot Dead Outside School; Suspect Surrenders
Accused allegedly tells police he acted over a claim involving “love jihad”; police say motive has not yet been established
Uttar Pradesh: A government schoolteacher was shot dead outside his school in Bijnor district on Tuesday afternoon. The accused, identified as 30 year old Gaurav Rathi, later surrendered before the police.
The deceased was identified as Naushad Ahmad, aged around 40 to 43 years. He was reportedly returning home on his motorcycle after classes at Primary School Saupuri under the Najibabad police station area.
According to reports, Rathi allegedly opened fire at Naushad near the school gate at around 2 p.m. The teacher sustained multiple bullet injuries and collapsed at the scene.
Schoolteacher Taruna Chaurasia reportedly assisted Naushad and took him to a private hospital in Najibabad in an e rickshaw. Due to his critical condition, doctors referred him to AIIMS Rishikesh. He reportedly died during treatment at around 5 p.m.
Police reached the spot after receiving information about the shooting and questioned local residents. A case is expected to be registered based on a complaint from the victim’s family.
The accused reportedly reached a police station shortly after the incident and surrendered. Police said he was carrying two country made pistols and six cartridges at the time. According to reports, he allegedly told police that he had fired three shots at the teacher.
Rathi also allegedly claimed that Naushad was involved in what he described as “love jihad”. Police have said that the statement and the circumstances surrounding the allegation are being investigated.
Bijnor Superintendent of Police KK Bishnoi said the accused had surrendered and that the exact motive behind the killing had not yet been established.
Local reports also said that Naushad was involved in property dealing. Police are investigating whether a dispute related to property or financial dealings may have played a role in the incident. Village head Mohammad Mustafa also said that the exact reason behind the killing remained unclear.
Naushad is survived by his mother, two wives and five children. His body is expected to be handed over to the family after the post mortem examination.
Police investigation into the shooting, the alleged statements made by the accused and the actual motive behind the killing is continuing.