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Teen Tourist Killed After Clash With Private Guards at Varanasi's Namo Ghat

A criminal case with CCTV review will test private security vetting at a major pilgrim site.

Overview

  • The clash at Gate No. 2 of Namo Ghat, which occurred on Sunday, involved a group of youths from Sonbhadra and left 17-year-old Rajesh Jaiswal, known as Chintu, dead and several others injured.
  • Police have arrested four private security guards and the operator of the security agency and have registered an FIR that includes murder and causing hurt.
  • Investigators are examining CCTV footage and taking written statements from family and witnesses to identify other participants and build the case.
  • Police say the agency operator had not maintained staffing records or conducted background checks for the guards, and a state minister has ordered a high-level probe with steps to blacklist the firm and offer ₹5 lakh to the family.
  • The death has prompted local demands for stricter oversight of private guards at busy religious and tourist sites and could prompt tighter vetting, record-keeping, and supervision of contracted security forces.