Police have arrested a man identified as Sunit alias “Katua”, a resident of Nagla Hardayal in the Mant area of Mathura, for allegedly issuing a life threat to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath through a video posted on social media. The incident took place on the evening of September 22, 2023, escalating concerns over public safety and security in the region.
In the viral video, Sunit brandished a pistol and threatened to shoot the Chief Minister by September 25 before taking his own life. He displayed a pistol magazine, boasting that it contained nine bullets, and threatened to “fire all nine.” According to Sunit, his drastic move stemmed from frustration after filing a complaint with the CM’s office, claiming no action was taken.
Police swiftly responded when they received reports of the video threatening the Chief Minister. Authorities moved to apprehend Sunit at his residence on Friday evening. However, he locked himself inside and opened fire from the third floor, making disturbing threats to shoot himself. After nearly an hour-long standoff, police managed to overpower him and conduct the arrest. They seized a pistol along with live cartridges from his possession.
Local residents suggested that Sunit had been under mental stress, frequently vocalizing his personal problems, which contributed to his increasingly unstable behavior observed over the past few months. The viral nature of the video prompted immediate action from law enforcement, marking a critical response to the alarming threat.
As of now, authorities are investigating how he procured the weapon and his exact motive behind the threat. A case has been registered against Sunit under serious charges, including criminal intimidation, attempt to incite violence, and illegal possession of arms, each of which carries severe legal consequences.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its officials and the general public. The state’s law enforcement is currently undertaking measures to identify any larger implications or networks involved, given the seriousness of the threat towards such a high-ranking official.
The arrest highlights ongoing issues related to mental health and the use of social media for inciting violence. Police urge individuals experiencing distress to seek help rather than resorting to harmful actions. Moreover, they remind the public of the legal repercussions of threats, especially against government officials.
Further investigation remains underway as authorities piece together the details surrounding this alarming incident. Police have vowed to strengthen protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.