“If You Study and Become DM, Who Will Do Our Work?”: UP FIR Filed After 3.5 Months Sparks Questions on Police Inaction

An FIR filed after over three months in Mau district has raised questions about police responsiveness in a caste-based harassment case. The case involves Vishal Gautam, a resident of Chhoti Rastipur village, whose younger brother, Rahul Gautam, was allegedly beaten and subjected to casteist slurs last September.

Vishal alleged that during the attack, the assailants mocked Rahul, saying, “If you study and become a District Magistrate, who will do our work?” Despite the serious nature of the allegations, police did not register the case at the time, reportedly due to political pressure. The victims then approached the courts, prompting police to finally file the FIR on January 13, 2026.

Incident Details

According to the complaint, on September 10, 2025, Rahul Gautam was returning home from school when Krishna Singh, Priyanshu Singh, and Alok Singh allegedly blocked his path, beat him, and hurled casteist abuses. Rahul sustained serious injuries. On September 11, he and his brother Vishal visited the local police station, and Rahul underwent a medical examination at the Community Health Center in Pardaha on September 12. However, no action was taken at the time, allegedly due to political interference.

Accused Deny Allegations

When contacted, the accused denied the charges, claiming the incident was a minor scuffle during play. They alleged that the matter was being politicized by the Bhim Army and insisted they were falsely implicated under the SC/ST Act. “We are innocent and want a fair investigation to prove the truth,” they said.

Police Response

Speaking to the media, CO Sadar Krish Rajput stated, “This matter never came to our attention. An investigation is now underway, and anyone found guilty will not be spared.” Additional Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar emphasized, “Law and order applies equally to all. Police do not act under political pressure. Delays occur only if cases are not brought to our notice promptly.”

The case highlights concerns over delayed justice in caste-related crimes and the influence of local politics on law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh.