The investigation into the attack on two Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) officers at the famed Gorakhnath Temple on Sunday evening has been handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Awanish Awasthi, Uttar Pradesh’s additional chief secretary for home, has convened a conference to assess the security of Goraksha Peeth. Ahmed Murtuja Abbasi, an IIT graduate, was apprehended.
On social media, a video of the attack at the temple’s gate in Gorakhpur went viral. The 20th Battalion of the PAC’s Gopal Gaud and Anil Paswan were at the main gate when Abbasi, holding a bag, got into a struggle with them. According to observers and troops, he suddenly pulled a sharp weapon wrapped in a cloth from his luggage and assaulted and injured the jawans. Abbasi is seen avoiding security personnel wielding the firearm in the video. Abbasi’s family claims that he is mentally ill.
The ATS has detained two suspects from Maharajganj, who are suspected to have provided Abbasi with arms.
The police were shown in the video attempting to subdue the accused by hurling bricks at him. Locals were also spotted assisting the police, who were eventually able to apprehend him. He was later arrested and taken into custody by the police.
The officers were treated for their injuries at Guru Gorakhnath Hospital and are now being treated at BRD Medical College. Abbasi was also injured in the event and was sent to a district hospital for treatment. The motive is being investigated by the police.
For foiling the attack, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared a cash award of Rs 5 lakh for the two jawans and constable Anurag Rajput. Officials stated that the incentive would be split equally among them. CM Adityanath has arrived in Gorakhpur to pay a visit to the hospitalised cops.
On the basis of available facts, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department declared the incident a terror attack in a statement. “The assailant attempted to enter the temple premises to commit an act of terror, but was thwarted by heroic PAC and police officials,” the statement stated.
“Our personnel positioned at the site performed a great job by halting a man who was chanting religious slogans with a sharp blade in hand,” Prashant Kumar, additional director general of police (ADG), law and order, said News18. The accused was also using the weapon to attack civilians, injuring two security personnel. The additional SP, as well as top officials, arrived at the scene right away. The bravery displayed by security officers is laudable, and the three security personnel will receive a financial incentive of Rs 50,000. Their names will be suggested for the Shaurya Award as well.”
“According to preliminary information, the accused attended IIT. The accused’s family is cooperating. The accused is a Gorakhpur resident. “The Aadhaar card he gave me was created in Mumbai,” Kumar explained.
