38 Convicted in 2018 Bulandshahr Violence Case
Seven Years Later, Justice Begins in Bulandshahr
In a major legal development, a local court in Uttar Pradesh has convicted 38 people for their roles in the 2018 Bulandshahr mob violence that led to the brutal killing of police officer Subodh Kumar and widespread unrest. The verdict comes nearly seven years after the December 3, 2018 incident that began with allegations of cow slaughter and escalated into deadly rioting.
The quantum of punishment will be announced on August 1.
Who Was Convicted?
Of the 44 individuals who stood trial, 38 have now been found guilty. Among them, five—Prashant Nat, David, Joni, Rahul, and Lokendra—have been convicted specifically for the murder of Inspector Subodh Kumar. All five are residents of Chingrawathi village under Syana police station, where the inspector was posted.
The remaining 33 were convicted on charges including rioting, attempted murder, and destruction of public property.
Four convicts are in custody, while the remaining 34 are out on bail. Five accused died during the trial period, and one was a minor.
What Happened in 2018?
The violence erupted in Mahav village under Syana Kotwali following the discovery of cow carcasses. Tensions flared after Hindu groups and local villagers accused certain individuals of cow slaughter. Allegedly led by Yogesh Raj—a prominent figure tied to a Hindu right-wing organization—the mob carried cattle remains on a tractor-trolley and stormed the Chingrawathi police outpost.
What started as a protest soon turned violent. The mob pelted stones, clashed with police, and eventually set the police outpost ablaze. Amid the chaos, Inspector Subodh Kumar was shot and killed. A local youth named Sumit also lost his life in the violence.
Political Links and Missing Evidence
Yogesh Raj, the prime accused in inciting the mob, was later arrested but has since been granted bail by the Supreme Court. He currently serves as a District Panchayat member. His links to Hindu outfits have been widely discussed in both legal and political circles.
Adding to the controversy is the continued absence of Inspector Subodh Kumar’s service pistol, which remains untraced despite several appeals from law enforcement agencies.
Legal Timeline and Case Progress
Initially, 60 people were booked in connection with the violence. The charge sheet named 27 individuals directly, with another 33 listed as unidentified. After a thorough investigation, police framed charges against 44. Due to lack of evidence, others were dropped from the case.
The court’s verdict on July 29 marks a significant moment for both the family of the slain officer and public faith in the justice system.