Police arrested a Mathura man identified as Sunit alias ‘Katua’ for threatening Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath through a social media video. The incident occurred on September 22, 2023, when authorities took action following a viral video that depicted Sunit brandishing a pistol and making grave threats.
In the disturbing video, Sunit declared he would shoot the Chief Minister by September 25 and then kill himself. He displayed a pistol magazine, claiming it held nine bullets, ominously asserting he would use them all.
Sources indicate that Sunit’s frustration stemmed from his belief that his earlier complaints to the CM’s office had not received any response. This perceived negligence, he claimed, drove him to issue such an alarming threat.
The police acted swiftly after the video circulated online. On Friday evening, they approached Sunit’s home in the Mant area of Mathura to apprehend him. Upon their arrival, however, Sunit barricaded himself inside the residence and opened fire from the third floor. He also threatened to turn the gun on himself.
After an hour-long standoff, police successfully managed to overpower him and place him under arrest. They confiscated the pistol along with live cartridges from the scene.
Local residents reported that Sunit had exhibited signs of mental distress, often speaking about his personal issues in public. His erratic behavior, they noted, had escalated in recent months, prompting concern among his neighbors.
The rapid spread of the video necessitated an immediate police response. Investigators are delving into how Sunit acquired the firearm and the true motivations behind his drastic actions.
Authorities have filed serious charges against Sunit under several sections, including criminal intimidation and illegal possession of arms. As investigations continue, police are keenly focused on understanding the full context of his threatening behavior.
This incident raises alarms regarding the safety of public figures and the concerning trend of threats via social media. Experts emphasize the need for more robust measures to monitor and address such instances of online intimidation.
Given the sensitivity surrounding threats to public officials, law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh are reviewing their protocols for monitoring social media platforms to ensure timely interventions in similar situations.