A 17-year-old Muslim student, Mohd. Arish, died after being attacked by three young men in Fatehpur on July 23, 2025. Police said the assault took place near Kashiram Colony when Arish, a Class 12 student of Maharshi Vidya Mandir, was returning home after school.
According to the victim’s family, the attackers – identified as Harshwardhan Pandey, Deepak Savita, and Bharat Sarkar – were waiting for Arish with sticks and rods.
“As soon as my grandson reached near Kashiram Colony, they started abusing him and hit him repeatedly. He fainted on the spot. Local people called an ambulance. He vomited blood due to the injuries,” said Ruab Ahmed, Arish’s grandfather.
Arish was first taken to Sadar Hospital in Fatehpur and later shifted to Kanpur for better treatment, but he died on July 24 while undergoing care.
Police have registered FIR number 0291/2025 at Kotwali Police Station. “Two of the accused have been arrested. One is absconding. We are conducting raids to catch him,” a senior police officer said.
Family members claim that the attack was the result of a previous dispute. “About two months ago, Harshwardhan, who is associated with a right-wing group, had an argument with Arish. He had passed out from the school earlier this year but continued to threaten him,” said a relative.
The family has appealed for strict action. “This is not just about our child. We don’t want any other family to suffer like us,” Ahmed added.
Police say further investigation is underway.
