Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh - 25 November, 2023: In a disturbing turn of events, a 20-year-old engineering student in Prayagraj allegedly attacked a bus conductor, Harikesh Vishwakarma, with a cleaver following a dispute over ticket fare. The accused, identified as Lareb Hashmi, confessed to his crime in a video, claiming that he targeted the conductor for "insulting Prophet Muhammad." The incident took a dramatic turn as Hashmi attempted to evade arrest, resulting in a police encounter where he was shot in the leg.*
The Altercation:
The incident unfolded on a Friday morning when Hashmi engaged in a heated argument with Vishwakarma over the ticket price. Hashmi, a first-year engineering student, reportedly wielded a cleaver, inflicting severe injuries on the conductor's neck and other body parts.
After the attack, Hashmi fled the scene, seeking refuge in a college campus where he recorded a video and shared it on social media. In the video, he admitted to the assault, accusing the bus conductor of blasphemy and disrespecting Prophet Muhammad. The chilling footage showed Hashmi brandishing the cleaver used in the attack.
Alleged Assault on Hindu Girl:
According to additional sources, Hashmi, a student of UCER College, reportedly attacked a Hindu girl with a knife following her refusal of his proposal. The situation escalated tragically, resulting in the bus conductor's intervention to protect the girl.
Tragic Outcome for Vishwakarma:
Regrettably, the heroic act cost Harikesh Vishwakarma his life. He succumbed to injuries sustained while safeguarding the Hindu girl from the alleged assailant, Md Lareb Hashmi. Vishwakarma's selfless actions have earned him posthumous recognition as a hero.
Counter-Narrative Emerges:
Contrary to Hashmi's claims of religious insult, there are assertions that he fabricated the blasphemy story to garner support from his community. This alternate narrative suggests that Vishwakarma's untimely demise occurred in the course of defending the Hindu girl from Hashmi's violent advances.
Escape and Capture:
Attempting to elude law enforcement, Hashmi managed to hide within the college premises. The police, however, swiftly apprehended him. A subsequent attempt to recover the weapon led to an alarming turn of events as Hashmi allegedly fired at the police. In response, the police retaliated, injuring Hashmi in the leg before taking him into custody.
Witness Accounts:
Eyewitnesses, including the bus driver Mangla Yadav, recounted the suddenness of the attack. Yadav promptly halted the bus and rushed Vishwakarma to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
Police Response:
Abhinav Tyagi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Prayagraj’s Yamunanagar area, confirmed the arrest and mentioned that a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code was registered. Investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Accused Background:
Providing insights into Hashmi's background, the DCP revealed that he is a first-year student at United Engineering College in Prayagraj and resides in the Hajiganj area. Hashmi's father, Mohammed Yunus, operates a poultry farm in the city.
The accused is presently receiving medical treatment for the bullet injury sustained during the police encounter. The incident has sparked concerns over the intersection of religious sentiments and criminal acts, prompting authorities to delve deeper into the motive behind the attack. Further updates on the investigation are awaited.*
