In Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, a wave of tension has gripped the Kosi area following the death of Chandrashekhar, a local cow protection activist popularly known as 'Farsa Wale Baba'. The activist died early Saturday morning during a highway encounter that has now sparked two conflicting narratives. While his supporters and some initial reports claim he was intentionally run over by cattle smugglers during a high-speed pursuit, the police have officially described the incident as a tragic road accident caused by near-zero visibility.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mathura, Shlok Kumar, the incident occurred between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM near Navipur village. Chandrashekhar had reportedly stopped a vehicle he deemed suspicious. "The container he had stopped was found to contain groceries, and the truck that came from behind, with a Rajasthan number, was loaded with wires," the SSP stated. Police officials explained that a Rajasthan-registered truck, unable to see the stationary vehicles in the dense fog, rammed into them, killing the activist on the spot. Both the driver and the conductor of the second truck, residents of Alwar, were also injured and are receiving treatment.

However, the activist's followers offer a more sinister version of events. They allege that 'Baba Chandrashekhar' was chasing a truck on his motorcycle, suspecting it of illegal cattle transportation, when the vehicle deliberately struck him. While police have denied any link to cow smuggling in this specific case, some reports indicate one suspect was apprehended at the scene while three others managed to flee.

Highways blocked during presidential visit

The news of the death triggered immediate and violent protests across the Braj region. Angry locals blocked the national highway for several kilometres, creating massive traffic snarls on the same day President Droupadi Murmu was visiting the district to pray at the Danghati Temple. As the situation escalated, protesters allegedly vandalised police and administrative vehicles.

In response, the police used "necessary force" and "mild force" to disperse the crowds after stone-pelting was reported at the Chhata police station. Deputy Inspector General of Police Agra Range, Shailesh Kumar Pandey, confirmed that while the situation is now under control, four to five individuals have been detained for questioning regarding the unrest. Security has been significantly tightened with additional deployments to prevent further escalation.

Political row over law and order

The incident has quickly transformed into a political battleground between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the ruling BJP. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the state government, citing the death as evidence of a total collapse in law and order. "When you make the police do something else, they will sleep away. They won't do their work. They are working for the BJP, not doing its own work," Yadav remarked during a press briefing. He further alleged that a "series" of such murders is ongoing across the state.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate cognisance of the incident, expressing his condolences to the bereaved family. He has directed senior officials to ensure that the criminals involved are identified and dealt with strictly. Reaffirming the state’s stance on accountability, the Chief Minister stated, "The accused will not be spared under any circumstances". A high-level investigation is currently underway to establish the final sequence of events.