Goons assault Youth in Civil Lines near PVR snatch cash and demand extortion money
A fresh wave of fear has gripped people in Prayagraj after a violent attack in Civil Lines late Wednesday night, raising serious questions about the city’s law and order situation.
The incident comes at a time when residents had been feeling a sense of relief and peace in the aftermath of the high-profile encounter of mafia don Atiq Ahmad, which was believed to have curbed organized crime in the city. However, this brutal assault and ransom threat now suggests that criminals are once again trying to reassert their presence.
The victim, Shantanu Keserwani — son of marble businessman Sanjay Keserwani and resident of Jayantipur, Dhoomanganj — was targeted shortly after leaving a gym. Standing near an egg shop behind PVR in Civil Lines, he was suddenly surrounded by a group of men who attacked him mercilessly with sticks and even the butt of a pistol.
In the course of the assault, they looted ₹15,000 in cash and snatched his gold chain. More chillingly, they threatened him with dire consequences, demanding a ransom of ₹10 lakh and warning that his entire family would be killed if the demand was not met.
According to the FIR filed, the named assailants include Abhishek Pandey, Shibu Keserwani, Ashu Jaiswal, and Harsh Pandey, along with eight unidentified individuals. One of the attackers had his face masked and was the one who struck Shantanu with the pistol.
The brazenness of the attack in a prominent area like Civil Lines has alarmed residents, who fear that Prayagraj is once again witnessing a resurgence of crime after a brief lull.
Shantanu’s family has also revealed that he was being followed by suspicious youths a day before the incident — a matter they had already expressed concern about, but which ultimately culminated in this deadly attack.
The family, deeply shaken, met DCP Nagar Abhishek Bharti the following day, demanding swift action and immediate arrests of those involved in the extortion conspiracy.
Civil Lines police station’s SHO, Ramashray Yadav, confirmed that an FIR has been lodged and assured that CCTV footage from the area is being closely analyzed to identify the attackers. Police have promised strict action, but the very fact that such an attack could take place in one of the city’s busiest areas has reignited public anxiety.
For many in Prayagraj, the episode is a grim reminder that even after the crackdown on mafia networks, criminal elements are regrouping and attempting to once again spread fear through extortion and violent intimidation.
The incident not only highlights the vulnerability of businessmen and their families but also raises concerns that the fragile peace of the city is once more under threat.
Inspector Civil Lines RS Yadav said the police were tracking the accused, and they will soon be arrested
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