20-Year-Old Man Attacks Bus Conductor in Uttar Pradesh Following Fare Dispute

A 20-year-old man, identified as Lareb Hashmi, allegedly attacked a bus conductor in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with a cleaver after a heated argument over the fare, according to the local police. The authorities have refuted the attacker’s claim that he targeted the bus conductor for supposedly “insulting Prophet Muhammad.”

Violent Altercation Witnessed by Bus Driver

The violent altercation unfolded in the presence of the bus driver, Mangla Yadav. Following the attack, the injured bus conductor, Harikesh Vishwakarma, was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Identity of the Attacker: Lareb Hashmi

Lareb Hashmi, a 20-year-old first-year engineering student residing in Prayagraj’s Hajiganj area, has been identified as the assailant. His father, Mohammed Yunus, operates a poultry farm in the city. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abhinav Tyagi, confirmed Hashmi’s arrest and stated that an investigation is underway.

Attempted Escape and Controversial Video

Upon the incident, Hashmi reportedly tried to flee the scene but sought refuge within a college campus, where he recorded a video admitting to the attack on the conductor. The video, which contained inflammatory remarks targeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was later uploaded online.

Hashmi claimed in the video that his actions were in response to the alleged insult of Prophet Muhammad by the conductor. During his arrest inside the college, an armed encounter occurred, resulting in Hashmi sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. He reportedly attempted to fire at the police during the arrest.

(With inputs from agencies)