Abetment of Suicide: Ex-IPS Officer, Who Planned to Contest Against UP CM, Held

This is in connection with the death of a UP woman, and her friend, who had attempted self-immolation.

File photo of Amitabh Thakur.

(Photo: PTI)

Former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur, who had earlier announced his candidature against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh (UP) polls, was arrested on Friday, 27 August.

Earlier in the day, an abetment to suicide case was registered at the Hazratganj police station against BSP MP Atul Rai and the former IPS officer. This is in connection with the death of a UP woman and a friend of hers – both of whom had attempted to self-immolate outside the Supreme Court on 16 August.

In the Facebook Live video, the woman reportedly shared that she had filed the rape case against Atul Rai in 2019. She had also alleged that some senior police officers were supporting the accused.

THE FIR

A case has been registered against Thakur and Rai under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (abetment of suicide) as well as under sections 120 B, 167 ,195-A , 218, 504 and 506

'BIZARRE RESPONSE'

Previously, on 21 August, Thakur was reportedly put under house arrest ahead of his planned visit to Gorakhpur.

In a video message, Thakur said that when he was preparing to leave, the Gomti Nagar police arrived and told him that he can't go ahead with the planned visit, citing security reasons.

He further added that the police didn't let him go even when he asked them to provide him security instead of cancelling the visit.

"I sent a letter to them and they gave me a bizarre response. They said that I couldn't visit Gorakhpur and Faizabad due to the self immolation of a couple outside the Supreme Court. The woman had alleged rape by an MP and they said that it had led to anger among women against me and I can't go."

Amitabh Thakur, Former IPS Officer

Thakur, who was given compulsory retirement following a decision taken by the Home Ministry in March, said: "It seems Yogi Adityanathji is scared because of my visit. It is rather funny that a tall leader like him was petrified of me and my wife."

He Wishes to Form a Political Party: Thakur's Family

On August 27, Amitabh Thakur's family announced that he's willing to form a political party, The Indian Express reported. He has already decided to contest the upcoming UP elections from the Gorakhpur seat, currently held by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

As per the PTI report, Thakur may name his party "Adhikar Sena".

Thakur’s wife Nutan, an advocate and social activist, could not be reached for a comment. The Thakurs have filed many PILs and RTI queries over the years, against governments under different parties.

On Friday, PTI reported Nutan citing the reason for her husband contesting the upcoming UP elections against Yogi Adityanath.

"Adityanath took many undemocratic, improper, suppressive, harassing, and discriminatory steps during his tenure as chief minister. Hence, Amitabh shall be contesting the election against Adityanath from wherever he contests."

Nutan Thakur