Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – Fear has gripped Nahal village in Ghaziabad after a police raid turned violent, resulting in the tragic death of a constable. Following the incident, more than 400 families have reportedly fled the village, fearing a large-scale police crackdown. The tension has left the village looking eerily deserted, with shops shuttered, streets silent, and homes locked.
Constable Killed During Police Raid in Ghaziabad
The chain of events began on Sunday night, when a police team from Noida’s Phase 3 police station launched a raid to arrest Qadir, a 22-year-old man with a criminal background. During the operation, Constable Saurabh Kumar (26) was fatally shot after the team came under fire. The police succeeded in arresting Qadir, but alleged that his accomplices fired the shots that led to Kumar’s death.
In response, the Ghaziabad Police filed an FIR against Qadir, his brother, and several others, charging them with rioting, assaulting a public servant, and murder under various sections of the IPC. Since the incident, at least 14 people have been arrested, while 42 others have been taken into preventive custody.
Widespread Panic and Exodus from Nahal Village
Located approximately 14 kilometers from the Delhi-Ghaziabad Highway, Nahal village is close to Masoori Lake, a well-known local attraction. On Thursday, the streets of the village were deserted, and a palpable sense of fear hung in the air. Many homes appeared abandoned, their doors and windows tightly shut, with iron padlocks clearly visible. Only a couple of medical shops remained open, with shopkeepers whispering to each other and nervously eyeing the roads where police patrols continued.
Residents claim that the ongoing police action has instilled deep fear in the community. “They are arresting people without proper investigation,” said a local medical store owner. “More than 400 families have fled to their relatives’ homes in nearby towns and villages.”
Tensions Escalate: Accusations of Arbitrary Arrests
Tasavvar Ali, the elected Gram Pradhan (village head), confirmed the exodus. “Nahal has a population of about 10,000 people. Nearly 95% are Muslims, and the rest belong to the Scheduled Castes,” he explained. “People are terrified. They don’t know who might be arrested next. I have spoken to the District Magistrate and am trying to find a peaceful resolution.”
The fear is not without cause. Several villagers have shared allegations of forceful entries and arrests. One elderly resident, Babu Khan (65), described a shocking police raid on his home. “Around 35 policemen entered our house around midnight. They broke the glass windows and damaged the iron gate,” said Khan, who is partially paralyzed. “My daughters-in-law rushed to the terrace to wake me. As I came down, police officers pushed me aside and ordered me to remain silent. I’m an old man—they should treat us with some humanity.”
Khan added, “We support the police in finding the real culprits, but they shouldn’t harass innocent people.”
Young Professionals Among the Detained
Among those allegedly picked up by the police is Mohammad Zubair (28), a Noida-based interior designer. According to his wife, police entered their home via the terrace in the early hours of Tuesday. “We heard noises from the roof. Suddenly, they were in our bedroom,” she recalled. “My husband was asleep. They woke him up, asked him to get dressed, and took him away without an explanation.”
The woman says she has had no clarity on where her husband is being held or why he was taken. “He’s not involved in any crime,” she said. “He’s a working professional.”
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
When approached for a statement, Ajay Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO) at Masoori Police Station, downplayed the concerns. “The police are simply doing their job. People can say what they want,” he commented.
However, human rights advocates and civil society groups have raised questions about the proportionality of the police response. Legal experts caution that arbitrary arrests and raids without proper warrants can lead to further mistrust between the police and local communities.
Who Was Constable Saurabh Kumar?
Constable Saurabh Kumar, the slain officer, was a dedicated member of the Noida police force. Aged just 26, he lost his life in the line of duty. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from the police community and citizens alike. He is being hailed as a martyr by colleagues who demand swift justice.
Community in Distress: What Lies Ahead
With 400+ families displaced and multiple arrests, Nahal village remains on edge. Local leaders are calling for calm, fair investigation, and restoration of trust between residents and law enforcement. Meanwhile, villagers continue to fear further raids and detentions.
The incident underscores the delicate balance between enforcing the law and ensuring civil liberties are respected. While police action against criminals is necessary, innocent residents should not become collateral damage in the process.
