A government school teacher, his wife, and two young daughters were shot dead at their rented home in Amethi on Thursday, just over a month after the family had lodged an FIR under the SC/ST Act, raising concerns over possible connections to the case.
The victims were identified as Sunil Kumar, 35, his wife Poonam, 32, and their daughters Drishti, 6, and a one-year-old infant.
Sunil, a native of Rae Bareli, was posted in a government school in Panhauna, Amethi.
The tragic incident occurred at their rented accommodation, where they had been living for some time.
Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar Singh confirmed that the family had lodged a complaint in Rae Bareli on August 18 under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, accusing a man named Chandan Verma of harassment and eve-teasing.
In her complaint, Poonam had expressed fears for her family's safety, stating that Verma should be held responsible if anything happened to them.
While the police have yet to establish a direct link between the FIR and the murders, the case has raised alarms. SP Singh stated, “It is not yet clear if the deaths are related to the case. However, the investigation is ongoing to determine any connections.”
The horrific crime took place around 60 kilometres from Amethi’s district headquarters. Neighbours reported hearing gunshots and rushed to the scene, where they discovered the family lying dead in the backyard. The gruesome nature of the crime has left the local community in shock.
Police have launched an extensive investigation, forming multiple teams to probe the matter. Special Operation Groups and Local Intelligence Units have been deployed to assist in the case. CCTV footage from the area is being scrutinised to help identify the assailants.
Inspector General of Police Praveen Kumar, who arrived at the crime scene, told reporters, “Our preliminary forensic investigation has revealed no signs of forced entry into the house. Prima facie, it appears that the assailants may have been known to the victims.”
Amidst the investigation, political figures have voiced their reactions. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences on social media.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “The incident that happened in Amethi district today is highly condemnable and unforgivable. My condolences are with the bereaved families. In this hour of grief, UP government stands with the victim's family. The culprits of this incident will not be spared at any cost.”
Former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav indirectly questioned the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh with a cryptic post on X, writing, “Koi Hai? Kahin Hai?” (Is anyone there? Is someone anywhere?).
Congress MP Kishori Lal Sharma also condemned the murders, attributing them to a deteriorating law and order situation under the current administration.
“In Shivratanganj area of Amethi, miscreants barged into a house and brutally shot dead Sunil Kumar, assistant teacher in a composite school, his wife, and two children. This mass murder is the result of the government's ruined law and order situation. The criminals are fearless.”
As the investigation continues, police officials have urged calm but assured that no stone will be left unturned to bring the culprits to justice.
Senior officials from Lucknow have rushed to the scene, and forensic experts are working alongside local authorities to solve the case.
The murder of the family has sent shockwaves through the Amethi district, with calls for swift justice.
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