The Ghazipur incident on June 4, where murder suspect Kamlesh Bind died during a police operation, has triggered political debate in Uttar Pradesh. Criticism has come from opposition parties and from within the ruling NDA coalition. The event has renewed discussion about the state government’s strict policing approach under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and its encounter policy.
The issue gained attention after Fisheries Minister and NISHAD Party leader Sanjay Nishad intervened. As an NDA partner, Nishad has not directly blamed police but called for an independent probe and highlighted concerns about legal procedures. He warned that the administration’s tough image may lose public support if such cases continue to raise doubts.
Nishad called the event “inhuman” and questioned whether police were exceeding their legal authority. He stated that even serious offenders should be allowed to surrender and face trial. Justice belongs to courts, while police must focus on law and order and act only in self-defence, he told The Indian Express.
Nishad said that if family claims prove accurate—that Bind was detained in public before being killed—then a full inquiry is required. He stressed his goal was protecting due process rather than shielding criminals. He also noted anger within the Bind community, with residents voicing resentment directly to him.
The minister acknowledged community concerns and said ignoring them could affect politics. Residents approached him at home, and he noted that without community backing, political work becomes difficult.
Nishad cautioned that reliance on encounter messaging has limits and could harm the government if fairness questions persist. He connected the matter to the NDA’s reduced performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, where seats dropped from over 60 in 2019 to 36.
Nishad wrote to the chief minister requesting a high-level independent inquiry, citing public discussion and family allegations. He later met the chief minister to press for transparency.
Police stated that Bind fired at officers during an arrest attempt and was shot while fleeing, injuring one officer. The family and locals allege the operation was staged.
Opposition parties have used the case to attack the government. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed encounters target marginalised groups selectively and called them fake. He accused the administration of using fear to suppress certain communities.
The BJP has rejected claims of bias, insisting actions target criminals without regard to background.
