Etawah/Meerut, October 14, 2025: After remaining absconding for nearly four months, Gagan Yadav alias Shubham Yadav, the prime accused in the Dadarpur violence case, was apprehended late Monday night in a coordinated operation by the Etawah police in collaboration with the Meerut crime branch. The arrest marks a significant development in the case that has drawn widespread attention due to the violent unrest that erupted in Dadarpur village under Bakewar police station limits on June 26, 2025.

According to police officials, Yadav had been in hiding in the Ganganagar area of Meerut since the June incident. The violent episode in Dadarpur was allegedly instigated by him, when a mob he incited created chaos following the public humiliation of Kathavachaks, traditional religious storytellers known for narrating mythological tales. The unrest escalated rapidly, leading to rioting, property damage, and attacks on law enforcement personnel.

The June 26 Incident

Police records indicate that the unrest began when Yadav allegedly mobilized a mob in response to grievances against the Kathavachaks. The crowd reportedly engaged in vandalism, stone-pelting at police personnel, and destruction of public property, causing widespread fear in the village. At the time, 20 individuals were arrested on the spot, and 13 vehicles used in the incident were seized as evidence. A formal case was lodged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rioting, criminal conspiracy, and assault on public servants, highlighting the gravity of the offenses.

The incident drew strong condemnation from local authorities and sparked a police crackdown aimed at restoring law and order. Following the unrest, multiple teams were deployed across western Uttar Pradesh to track the absconding prime accused and his alleged accomplices.

Manhunt and Intelligence Efforts

Yadav’s arrest comes after months of intensive surveillance and intelligence operations. Police officials disclosed that Yadav was believed to have moved across several districts of western UP before settling in Meerut, attempting to evade capture. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team from the Etawah police and the Meerut crime branch located him in a locality on Mawana Road in Ganganagar, and successfully conducted the arrest without incident.

Etawah SSP Brijesh Kumar Srivastava said, “Gagan Yadav was the key instigator behind the Dadarpur unrest. He had been evading arrest since June 26. Our teams were continuously tracking his movement, and acting on credible intelligence, we finally located and apprehended him in Meerut’s Ganganagar area.”

Police sources further stated that law enforcement agencies conducted multiple raids across western UP, targeting locations where Yadav was suspected of hiding. The operation involved close coordination between district police units and specialized crime branch teams, combining ground intelligence, local informants, and technological surveillanceto narrow down his location.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Following his arrest, Yadav was brought to Etawah for further interrogation. Authorities indicated that he faces serious charges under sections of the BNS relating to rioting, criminal conspiracy, and assault on public servants. Investigators emphasized that these charges carry significant legal consequences, and further action is likely as the case progresses.

Officials have also confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend others who were allegedly involved in planning and orchestrating the violence. The police are expected to summon individuals believed to have aided or abetted the instigation of the mob, as well as those who participated in the unrest directly.

Community Impact and Response

The June 26 incident left a deep impact on the residents of Dadarpur village, creating fear and tension within the community. Local residents expressed relief following the arrest of Yadav, hoping that it would pave the way for restoration of peace and normalcy. Several community leaders noted that the public humiliation of Kathavachaks had struck a chord across the village, given their cultural and religious significance, and that the police intervention was critical in restoring law and order.

Local authorities had previously imposed heightened security measures in the aftermath of the unrest, including increased patrolling, temporary curfews in sensitive areas, and deployment of additional personnel to prevent further escalation. The arrest of Yadav is expected to strengthen the confidence of law-abiding citizens and serve as a warning to others attempting to instigate violence or communal unrest.

Police Strategy and Coordination

The successful capture of Yadav reflects the strategic coordination between district police units and crime branch teams. Officials highlighted the combination of field intelligence, surveillance operations, and sustained monitoringas the key factors that led to the arrest.

Authorities also emphasized that tracking high-profile absconders requires patience, precision, and sustained operational planning. The police utilized information from multiple sources, including local informants, movement patterns, and potential hideouts, to build a comprehensive profile of Yadav’s location and routines.

The Etawah police have reiterated their commitment to bringing all accused to justice, ensuring that the legal process proceeds without undue delay, and that victims of the unrest receive proper attention and protection.

Broader Implications

The Dadarpur incident serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of communal and local disputes in rural areas, particularly when exacerbated by provocative elements. Law enforcement officials have noted that proactive policing, rapid response to grievances, and community engagement are critical in preventing escalation into large-scale violence.

Experts in law enforcement studies have highlighted that operations like the arrest of Gagan Yadav underscore the importance of:

1. Intelligence-led policing: The use of real-time information to track, locate, and apprehend absconding criminals.
2. Inter-agency coordination: Seamless cooperation between district police, regional crime branches, and specialized units.
3. Community engagement: Strengthening the trust of local communities to provide actionable intelligence.
4. Legal preparedness: Ensuring that all arrests and actions are compliant with judicial processes to withstand scrutiny in courts.

The case also highlights the importance of monitoring individuals who incite communal or social unrest, as their actions can rapidly lead to public disorder, property damage, and threats to life.

Next Steps

Following his arrest, Gagan Yadav is expected to be produced before a magistrate in Etawah, where further judicial proceedings will be initiated. Investigators will likely interrogate him to uncover additional leads, identify other accomplices, and reconstruct the chain of events leading to the unrest.

Police officials emphasized that the focus is now on ensuring comprehensive justice, both in terms of holding the primary accused accountable and preventing future incidents through awareness campaigns, community policing, and vigilance.

Authorities also called upon residents to report suspicious activity promptly, reinforcing the role of citizens in maintaining law and order.

Conclusion

The arrest of Gagan Yadav marks a major breakthrough in the Dadarpur violence case, nearly four months after the chaotic incident shook the village and surrounding areas. The operation underscores the commitment and persistence of the Etawah police and the Meerut crime branch, and highlights the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts in curbing criminal impunity.

Residents of Dadarpur and local authorities have welcomed the arrest, viewing it as a significant step toward restoring peace, reinforcing the rule of law, and delivering justice to the victims of the unrest. The police have assured the public that investigations will continue rigorously to ensure that all those responsible for instigating and participating in the violence are held accountable under the law.

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