A shocking and tragic incident has unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district, where a 19-year-old NEET aspirant was brutally killed by suspected cattle smugglers. The victim, identified as Deepak Gupta, was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and lived in Mauachapi village under Pipraich police station limits. His death late on the night of September 16 has triggered widespread outrage, violent protests, arson, and road blockades in the region.

The episode has raised serious concerns about law and order in the state, drawing strong reactions from villagers, opposition leaders, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has promised the strictest action against those responsible.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to officials, the incident took place around 12:30 am on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. Suspected cattle smugglers arrived in Mauachapi village with two to three vehicles, allegedly intending to steal cattle and also attempted to break into a furniture shop belonging to a local resident, Durgesh Gupta.

Deepak Gupta, Durgesh’s 19-year-old son and a NEET aspirant, was alerted by a relative about suspicious activity. He rushed to the spot on his scooter, raising an alarm. Nearly 10–15 villagers followed him to confront the smugglers.

Startled by the resistance, the smugglers reportedly opened fire in the air and attempted to flee. In the chaos, they forcibly dragged Deepak into one of their vehicles. Eyewitnesses and police reports suggest that the smugglers drove him around for nearly an hour before brutally assaulting him. Deepak’s body, with severe head injuries, was later found four kilometres away near Saraiya village.

Confusion Over Cause of Death

Initially, villagers claimed that Deepak had been shot dead. However, Gorakhpur SSP Raj Karan Nayyar clarified that no bullet injuries were found on his body.

“Some people claimed that firing took place, but prima facie it does not appear that any injury has been caused by firing. He sustained severe head injuries, which appear to be the cause of death. The post-mortem report will confirm the details,” said SSP Nayyar.

Villagers’ Outrage and Violent Protests

News of Deepak’s death spread rapidly, sparking violent protests in the area. Enraged villagers intercepted one of the smugglers’ vehicles, set it on fire, and thrashed one suspect before handing him over to police. Another vehicle managed to escape.

By Tuesday morning, hundreds of locals had blocked the Gorakhpur–Pipraich road, leading to massive traffic disruptions. Protesters also hurled stones at police, injuring senior officials including:

• SP (North) Jitendra Srivastava

• Pipraich SHO Purushottam Anand Singh

Forces from four police stations and a Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) unit were deployed to control the situation. The stand-off continued for hours before senior administrative officials intervened to pacify the angry villagers.

गोरखपुर में NEET छात्र ने किया पशु तस्‍करी का विरोध, तो मुंह में गोली मारी.. हत्‍या से आक्रोश, सड़क पर हो रहा विरोध#gorakhpur pic.twitter.com/apwBtGT2ne— Jaya Singh. (@SinghJaya_) September 16, 2025

Police Action and Suspensions

The incident occurred under the Jungle Dushan police outpost area. Following allegations of negligence, Gorakhpur SSP suspended all police personnel posted at the Jungle Dushan outpost and Pipraich station. Officials said the police failed to prevent cattle smugglers from repeatedly targeting the region.

Meanwhile, five special teams, along with the Special Task Force (STF) Gorakhpur unit, have been formed to track down the accused smugglers. The crackdown has been named Operation Gokshi, targeting a notorious cow slaughter gang from Gopalganj, suspected of involvement in the crime.

Statements from Police and Officials

SSP Nayyar confirmed that the operation is ongoing:

“Our five teams are working on this case. Some accused have been identified, and arrests will be made soon. One of the smugglers was caught and is under treatment after being thrashed by villagers. Strict action will be taken, and further details will be shared with the public.”

District Magistrate Deepak Meena, who visited the spot with other senior officers, called the incident “tragic” and assured full support to the victim’s family:

“This is a sad and tragic incident. Teams are working round the clock to arrest the culprits. We have assured the family that necessary financial assistance and help at the local level will be provided.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Response

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the case and expressed grief over the killing. His office issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter):

“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Ji Maharaj has taken cognisance of the tragic incident in Gorakhpur. He has directed senior administrative officials to meet the victim’s family and ensure the strictest action against the culprits.”

Following his directive, top officials including the District Magistrate, SSP, DIG Shiv S. Channappa, and other senior officers rushed to Mauachapi village to take stock of the situation and reassure the family.

Opposition Reaction

The incident has also triggered a political storm. Former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the Yogi government, calling the killing a “major failure” of the state administration.

“The BJP government is responsible for the public outrage that has erupted in Gorakhpur against animal smugglers protected by those in power due to administrative collusion. This is a shameful failure,” Yadav posted on X in Hindi.

Family’s Demands

The grieving family of Deepak Gupta has demanded:

• ₹1 crore compensation

• A government job for a family member

• Strict action against both the smugglers and negligent police personnel

Officials have said the demands are being considered as part of the ongoing investigation.

Current Status of Investigation

• Post-mortem report awaited to confirm exact cause of death.

• One suspected smuggler caught and hospitalized after being beaten by villagers.

• Five police teams and STF conducting raids to arrest the rest of the gang.

• Security forces remain deployed in the area to prevent further unrest.

Final Thoughts

The brutal killing of Deepak Gupta, a young NEET aspirant with dreams of becoming a doctor, has shaken Gorakhpur and reignited the debate over cattle smuggling and law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh. What began as an attempt to protect his village ended in tragedy, leaving a family devastated and a community enraged.

With CM Yogi Adityanath promising strictest action and opposition leaders blaming administrative failures, the case has become both a law-and-order challenge and a political flashpoint. As investigations continue under Operation Gokshi, the people of Gorakhpur await justice for the young student whose life was cut short far too soon.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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