Ghazipur Case: UP Police Rebuts Rahul, Claims Minor Girl Was Not Sexually Assaulted

Ghazipur: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday issued a clarification regarding the death of a minor girl, urging the public not to spread unverified or misleading claims. In a post on X, the police said, "Please take note of the correct facts."

They added, "On April 15, 2026, at 5.44 am, the victim's father called Dial 112 and informed that the girl had jumped from a bridge, indicating suicide."

The police further clarified that "the First Information Report (FIR) registered on the father’s complaint does not mention rape, and the postmortem report also does not indicate any sexual assault." Appealing to the public, they said, “Do not spread unverified, factless or misleading rumours that could disturb social harmony.”

What Happened: Timeline Of The Incident

The incident occurred between the night of April 14 and the early morning of April 15 in Katariya village of Ghazipur district.

A 16-year-old girl from the Vishwakarma community went missing during the night. According to CCTV footage, she was heading towards a bridge over the Ganga River around 2 am after allegedly meeting a friend.

According to police findings, she called her father around 5.30 am and indicated her intention to take the extreme step. Shortly after, around 5.40 am, she is believed to have jumped into the river. At 5.44 am, her father alerted police via 'Dial 112'. Her body was later recovered near the bridge.

Police said her mobile phone, slippers and dupatta were found at the scene. While initial findings suggest death due to drowning, a case has also been registered under murder charges based on the family's complaint and all angles are being examined.

The Ghazipur Police reiterated that no evidence of rape has emerged so far in the investigation. Police said one accused has been arrested in connection with the case, while ten others have been held for alleged stone-pelting during unrest in the village. Further arrests are underway.

Officials said the investigation is based on technical evidence, including CCTV footage and call records, and cautioned against misinformation.

Opposition Leaders React To Alleged Incident

Opposition leaders reacted strongly to the alleged incident, targeting the government over women's safety. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged a pattern in crimes against women and questioned the government's response.

"In Ghazipur… the rape and brutal murder of a daughter… and then threats and violence to stop the family from filing an FIR,” he wrote in a post on X, adding, “Hathras, Kathua, Unnao and now Ghazipur, this is a pattern." He further stated, "Every time, protection for the criminal and persecution for the victim," and demanded accountability.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the government, calling the Prime Minister's statements on women's safety "mere show". "Reluctance to file a case, threats to the family and pressure by the powerful show atrocities have peaked," she said, alleging that victims are often further harassed.

Clash During SP Visit, FIR Against Dozens

Tensions escalated in Katariya village on April 22 when a delegation of the Samajwadi Party (SP) visited to meet the victim's family. Police said only 15 people were permitted, but a large crowd gathered, leading to sloganeering and unrest that escalated into alleged stone-pelting. Several people, including the local SHO, police personnel and villagers, were injured.

Police registered an FIR against 46 named individuals and around 200 unidentified persons. Among those named are SP district president Gopal Yadav, MLAs Jai Kishan Sahu and Dr Virendra Yadav, along with other local leaders.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged the attack was carried out by "power-protected dominant elements". "Under BJP rule… UP is passing through its worst phase of anarchy," he said, demanding strict action.

Senior officers, including ADG Varanasi Zone Piyush Mordia and DIG Vaibhav Krishna, visited the village and assured the family of a fair probe. Officials said strict action will be taken against those attempting to disrupt law and order. The family has demanded a fast-track trial.

With a proposed visit by Akhilesh Yadav on April 29, authorities are on high alert. Heavy police deployment continues in the village, and social media is being closely monitored to prevent the spread of rumours. Police said the situation remains under control while an investigation into all aspects of the case continues.

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