The murder of student Lalita Gautam in Meerut was followed by the arrest of the accused, Ankush, within 24 hours, according to police. However, the incident later sparked protests and political controversy. The report alleges that some protest leaders attempted to transform the case from a demand for justice into a caste-based and political issue. Police officials repeatedly appealed to demonstrators to hold their protest at the designated site, Commissioner Park, and submit their grievances peacefully. The report claims that certain individuals, including a local leader identified as Ravi Gautam, allegedly used provocative language, encouraged confrontation with police, and sought to escalate tensions. Senior police officers maintained that the primary accused had already been sent to judicial custody and urged protesters to follow legal procedures. During the demonstrations, police also assisted a protester who became unconscious by arranging immediate medical care. The report further states that authorities exercised restraint during crowd control, instructing officers to avoid using force against women and children. These claims reflect the report’s account and remain part of an ongoing public and legal discussion.


