BJP leader Teotia’s wife, others detained for possible role in attack

“Prima facie, the incident seems to be an outcome of personal enmity. Teotia has had a rivalry with a dreaded criminal, Rakesh Hasanpuria, who was killed by Ghaziabad Police in an encounter. His wife Sunita, an Uttar Pradesh Police constable, is among those detained. But till now, no arrests have been made,” said Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Pandey said.

UP Police, facing flak for their inaction, have reportedly roped in nearly 800 policemen including dozens of senior IPS and PPS officials posted at various districts across the state and several STF teams to workout the case. State’s Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and DGP have been monitoring the situation after instructions from Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow. Police sources said that role of infamous persons like Manoj Jaat, Shekhar Chauhan, Dharmendra Kirthal and Rakesh Hasanpuria’s wife Sunita cannot be ruled out as they have years’ long enmity with the BJP leader. 

Police also suspect that weapons used in the crime were looted from neighbouring Punjab. UP DGP Javeed Ahmad said: “As far as the background of the incident is concerned, we are working on two-three theories. There was an encounter two-three years back which revolves around rivalry. There is another angle related to a family, where triple murder case took place.” Daljeet Chaudhary, ADG Law and Order said: “We have recovered one AK-47, two 9 mm pistols and another rifle from the spot apart from a huge cache of used and live cartridges. Preliminary investigations suggest some old enmity. We are investigating all angles.” Currently, Teotia is being treated at a private hospital and his injured associates are undergoing treatment in Sarvodaya Hospital in Ghaziabad. Teotia’s brother, Vikas, said doctors conducted two surgeries and planned another on Saturday. Vikas said 32 units of blood have been given to Teotia, who sustained four bullet injuries.