Published: January 12, 2026

Meerut – Political leaders from Uttar Pradesh have expressed outrage over the violent death of a young man belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the Sardhana area of Meerut. The incident, which took place on January 5, 2026, involved the horrific assault and killing of a 16-year-old tempo driver with a brick, sparking widespread condemnation from opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP president Mayawati spoke out against the incident on Sunday, calling it brutal, shameful, and indicative of the urgent need for increased vigilance and proactive governance to prevent such crimes. Both leaders emphasized that criminal and anti-social elements must be held accountable and reminded the government of its responsibility to ensure law and order in every part of the state.

In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati highlighted that the victim, Rohit alias Sonu, was a member of the Kashyap community, which is classified under the OBC category, and urged authorities to deliver justice swiftly. She underscored that acts of such extreme violence cannot be tolerated and that the law must instill fear among perpetrators of heinous crimes.

Akhilesh Yadav, in a separate post, described the killing as a deeply disturbing act and raised his voice on behalf of the broader OBC community. “We raise our voice against the heinous act committed by goons who burned a young man from the Kashyap community alive in Jwalagarh, Sardhana,” he wrote, expressing solidarity with the victim’s family and demanding that the perpetrators face stringent punishment.

The Meerut police responded to the outrage, clarifying that the case was not recent and had already been addressed promptly. According to officials, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered for murder immediately following the incident, and the accused, a minor, was apprehended within 24 hours. The minor was subsequently presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to a child reform home for rehabilitation.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on Monday, January 5, on the Akhepur-Rardhana Road. Rohit, a resident of the Kila locality in Muzaffarnagar city, had been visiting his village to find a bride while continuing his work as a confectioner in Mumbai. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fatal altercation was triggered by a dispute over loud music being played in a tempo vehicle.

Circle Officer Ashutosh Kumar provided additional details about the sequence of events leading to Rohit’s death. The accused, a 16-year-old tempo driver, reportedly befriended Rohit and encouraged him to consume alcohol while he himself drank an energy drink. Following this, the teenager allegedly struck Rohit on the head with a brick. In a further attempt to hide his crime, the accused dragged the victim’s body approximately 15 meters to a spot near a school wall and set it on fire using clothes, dry leaves, and oil.

The gruesome act came to light when a school watchman noticed the fire late Monday night and immediately informed the police. The authorities arrived at the scene to discover the remains, and the body was officially identified the following day. Family members expressed deep shock and grief over the loss, noting that Rohit had been in his village temporarily while pursuing personal matters, and his work in Mumbai had made him well-known among his peers and community.

Investigations into the case were facilitated by quick police work, which included analyzing CCTV footage and tracing evidence left at the scene. A barcode on a liquor pouch recovered near the crime spot helped authorities identify the suspect and corroborate the timeline of events. Footage from a nearby liquor shop further confirmed the accused’s presence and movements, enabling the police to swiftly close the case and apprehend the minor responsible.

Despite the rapid resolution of the case, political leaders and community members have continued to voice concerns about the broader implications of the incident. Opposition figures argue that the killing reflects deeper societal issues, including caste-based tensions, youth violence, and the need for stricter enforcement of legal safeguards. They have urged the administration to remain vigilant and implement preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

The brutal nature of the killing, involving both assault and immolation, has intensified calls for justice and accountability. Leaders from various political and social organizations have demanded that authorities not only punish the perpetrators but also review local governance mechanisms and law enforcement practices to better protect vulnerable communities. The incident has reignited discussions about juvenile crime, given that the accused is a minor, and the appropriate measures for rehabilitation and deterrence under the Juvenile Justice framework.

Experts note that while the swift action by the Meerut police prevented further escalation, there remains a need for community engagement and awareness programs to address underlying causes of such violent incidents. Efforts to promote social harmony, dispute resolution mechanisms, and youth mentorship programs are seen as critical in reducing the risk of similar tragedies.

In the aftermath of the killing, families and local residents have expressed both grief and fear, highlighting the emotional toll such violent acts take on communities. Rohit’s relatives described him as a hardworking young man with aspirations for his future, whose life was tragically cut short due to a moment of violent conflict. The case has also served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities and the urgent need for law enforcement and administrative oversight.

While the accused has been taken into custody and is undergoing rehabilitation under the Juvenile Justice system, opposition leaders continue to press for transparency and follow-up actions to ensure justice is fully served. They have also called on the state government to reinforce measures aimed at preventing crimes against marginalized communities, emphasizing that societal change requires both legal enforcement and proactive governance.

In conclusion, the killing of Rohit alias Sonu in Meerut represents a tragic and disturbing incident that has sparked outrage among political leaders, civil society, and the wider public. The rapid investigation and apprehension of the accused underscore the importance of prompt police response, but the case also highlights ongoing social challenges that require continued attention. Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, have made it clear that acts of brutality, particularly those targeting vulnerable communities, will not be tolerated and that the government must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting its citizens. As discussions around this incident continue, it serves as both a warning and a call to action for authorities, communities, and policymakers to ensure safety, justice, and social cohesion in the region.

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