Little Madhav’s Tragic Day
On the night of Wednesday, 18‑January, 2018, an eight‑year‑old boy named Madhav Bharadwaj went from playing with his friends to playing on a tragic stage. While he was enjoying a game in Uttar Pradesh, a confused crossfire turned his carefree afternoon into a heartbreaking scene.
According to the police, a tip alerted officers to a suspected hide‑out of some alleged robbers in the village. In the midst of trying to set up a dialogue at a local temple‑terrace, the officers appeared to draw their guns. The young boy, whose grandfather was nearby, was struck and didn’t survive.
Grandfather’s Recollection
- “Three cops came and told the suspects to gather near the temple,” the grandfather told a local paper.
- “Then, without explanation, the officers started firing. My grandson was playing just a few yards away.”
- “I felt frozen—my heart stopped. I couldn’t even understand what was happening.”
Investigations in Progress
A Superintendent of Police from the Mathura district expressed that the case is under scrutiny, saying, “We’ll soon know how the child got hit and killed.” Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered condolences and promised a compensation package of 500,000 rupees.
Why the Chaos Occurs
- Uttar Pradesh has one of India’s highest crime rates, and the current administration has pledged a tough‑policing approach.
- Some human‑rights groups point out that the state’s recent policies may encourage “encounters” that lead to questionable killings.
- According to the National Human Rights Commission, the state cannot resort to such methods even if the law‑and‑order situation feels severe.
- In fact, 33 people have reportedly been killed by police since the current chief minister took office.
A Sudden Family Loss
The grief of Madhav’s family is profound. While the government’s gesture is generous, support may reach further when officials recognize the ripple effects of quick‑shooting policies on innocent lives.
