Family of Four Shot Dead in Amethi Following FIR Under SC/ST Act Allegations

A government school teacher, his wife, and their two daughters were found dead in their rented home on Thursday. This tragic event occurred over a month after the family had filed a complaint against a man, warning that he would be responsible if anything happened to them, according to police reports.

The victims were identified as Sunil, 35, his wife Poonam, 32, their daughter Drishti, 6, and their one-year-old daughter. Sunil was originally from Rae Bareli and worked at a government school in Amethi's Panhauna. The police are investigating whether these deaths are connected to the earlier complaint.

Investigation and Initial Findings

Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar Singh stated that it remains unclear if the murders are linked to the previous case. Poonam had lodged an FIR against Chandan Verma in Rae Bareli on August 18 under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, and for eve-teasing. She mentioned that Verma should be held accountable if anything happened to her family.

Upon hearing gunshots, neighbours rushed to the scene and found the family dead at the back of their house. The police have formed teams to investigate further. Local Intelligence Unit and Special Operation Groups are also involved in the investigation.

Authorities' Response

District Magistrate Nisha Anant and SP Anoop Singh were present at the crime scene, with senior officials from Lucknow also heading to Amethi. The incident site is approximately 60 kilometres from the district headquarters. Inspector General of Police Praveen Kumar noted that there were no signs of forced entry, suggesting the attackers might have been known to the victims.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his sorrow over the incident. He stated in Hindi on X that "The incident that happened in Amethi district today is highly condemnable and unforgivable." He assured that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.

Political Reactions

Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav questioned the state's law and order situation in a cryptic post on X: "Koi Hai? Kahin hai? Is anyone there? Is someone anywhere?" Congress MP from Amethi Kishori Lal Sharma criticised the government over these murders. He described it as a heart-rending incident that has left the entire Amethi community upset and angry.

Sharma wrote in Hindi on X about how miscreants brutally killed Sunil Kumar, an assistant teacher, along with his family. He blamed the government's poor law enforcement for this mass murder and demanded immediate arrest and harsh punishment for the criminals.

The police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify those responsible for this heinous act. As investigations continue, authorities are determined to bring justice to the grieving family.