Brutal Daylight Murder Shocks Varanasi College Community
Tragic Incident at Udai Pratap Autonomous College
A shocking murder unfolded at the historic Udai Pratap Autonomous College in Varanasi on Friday, March 20, 2026, around 11 AM. A 23-year-old B.Sc. Mathematics student, Surya Pratap Singh, was brutally shot multiple times in broad daylight within the corridors of the Social Sciences department. The assailant, Manjeet Chauhan, a second-year MA/BA student from Chandmari, first fired several shots into Surya's chest. After confirming he was still alive by checking his pulse, Manjeet shot him twice more at point-blank range to ensure his death. Reports indicate that between four to eight bullets were fired, primarily hitting Surya's head and chest.
Background of the Conflict
The altercation began when Surya confronted Manjeet about his rolled-up shirt sleeves, leading to a minor dispute. Manjeet later complained to the principal, but old animosities flared up immediately after. The two had a history of conflicts involving ragging, dominance, and physical altercations. Surya, who resided in the hostel, had previously assaulted Manjeet with friends, even striking him on the head with a metal bracelet during one incident. During police questioning, Manjeet admitted that Surya would often attack him when they met alone, which left him deeply hurt and seeking revenge. He had procured an illegal pistol from Bhadohi for this purpose.
Details of the Murder
Witnesses and video evidence reveal that Manjeet brandished his pistol and chased Surya. Upon reaching the corridor of the Arts/Social Sciences department, he opened fire, hitting Surya with four to five shots in the chest. Surya collapsed face down, and Manjeet climbed on top of him to check his pulse. When he found Surya still alive, he shot him twice more in the temple to guarantee his death. A video surfaced showing Manjeet shooting Surya while standing over him, all occurring within the college premises. After the shooting, Manjeet discarded the pistol in a trash bin and fled over the college boundary wall, injuring his leg in the process.
Swift Police Response and Arrest
Within just 6 to 10 hours of the incident, local police and the Special Operations Group apprehended Manjeet near Central Jail Road. During interrogation, he confessed to the murder, portraying himself as a 'mafia' and 'don' on social media. Authorities recovered the pistol, live ammunition, and spent cartridges. They are still searching for his accomplice, Anuj Thakur/Singh, with both facing murder charges. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Varanasi confirmed that the case has been registered under IPC Section 302 (murder), and the investigation is ongoing. The court has remanded the accused to 14 days of judicial custody.
Student Protests and Family Grief
Following the murder, students staged significant protests, demanding the principal's resignation and engaging in vandalism and stone-pelting. Surya's father, Rishidev Singh, a school teacher, refused to conduct the last rites until the accused was killed in an encounter. Police had to negotiate with him, and the cremation eventually took place at 12:30 AM. Surya was known as a friendly, promising, and popular student, the only son in his family, with his parents, Rishidev and Kiran Singh, harboring big dreams for him. This incident has raised serious concerns about the availability of weapons, ragging, and student safety on campus.