Agra Waiter’s Killing Sparks ‘Fake Revenge’ Narrative: Police Dismiss Cow Vigilante Claims

 

Agra: The tragic killing of Gulfam, a 27-year-old Muslim waiter, on Shilpgram Road in Agra has ignited a storm of misinformation and communal tension, with false narratives linking the incident to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Gulfam was shot dead late Wednesday night by three men on a scooter, with another man, Saif Ali (25), injured in the attack.

 

 

 

 

 

Soon after the incident, a video emerged on social media featuring two self-proclaimed members of a “Kshatriya Gau Raksha Dal” taking responsibility for the crime, claiming it was “retribution” for the Pahalgam attack. The video shows the individuals armed with guns and knives, further stoking fears of communal violence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, the Tajganj Police have dismissed these claims as baseless, calling the so-called “revenge narrative” a fabrication. In a statement posted on its official social media handle Thursday night, the Agra Police Commissionerate clarified that investigators found no evidence of any such cow protection group operating in Agra. Police also revealed that Gulfam’s three companions, who were with him during the attack, did not mention any threats or religious motive behind the shooting.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident was personal in nature and unrelated to any communal or cow protection agenda,” a senior police officer said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The false claims have nevertheless stirred emotions online, with many using the incident to push divisive narratives. The police have identified and detained one of the individuals from the video and are investigating the source of the weapons and the motivation behind the misleading claims.

Gulfam’s family has demanded justice and urged authorities to ensure communal harmony is maintained. “This is a personal tragedy for us. Please don’t turn it into something it’s not,” a family member said.

 

 

 

 

The police have assured that all angles, including personal enmity, will be thoroughly probed. Meanwhile, they have appealed to the public not to believe unverified social media claims and to refrain from sharing inflammatory content.

 

 

 

As the investigation unfolds, Gulfam’s death remains a painful reminder of how quickly tragedies can be exploited to spread misinformation and deepen societal divisions.