UP Minister Defends Police Amid Allegations of Fake Encounters

Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar defended police actions after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of turning the state into a 'capital of fake encounters'. Rajbhar and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak clarified the self-defense stance of police and dismissed caste-based targeting allegations.

Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar issued a strong defense against allegations made by Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday. Yadav had accused the BJP government of turning the state into the 'capital of fake encounters'. Specifically addressing the recent Sultanpur encounter, Rajbhar stated that police action was a case of self-defense.

Speaking to ANI, Rajbhar explained, 'Police fired in self-defense. They will not shower flowers when criminals from the other side fire bullets.' He called on Yadav to clarify whether Mangesh Yadav, involved in a recent Sultanpur loot, had any role in the encounter.

Further adding to the narrative, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, 'The opposition is portraying these criminals as their own. The police conducted a serious investigation, gathered evidence, and arrested the criminals.' Pathak stressed that caste-based targeting was not a factor, and noted that significant recoveries, including over two and a half kilograms of gold, had been made.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticized the BJP government over the alleged encounters. However, both Rajbhar and Pathak emphasized that the police were only responding to criminal actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)