Mathura lawyer kidnapped, assaulted over property dispute; 44 held

Mathura: At least 44 people, including a former nagar panchayat chairman, have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district for allegedly abducting and assaulting a lawyer over a long-standing property dispute.The victim, Diwakar Sharma—a Barsana resident who practices in the Supreme Court—was allegedly kidnapped around 5:00 PM on Sunday. Acting on a tip-off, police traced Sharma to a house located behind a petrol pump belonging to former Barsana nagar panchayat chairman Balraj Chaudhary.Upon arrival, Barsana police forced entry into the premises, rescued Sharma and apprehended Chaudhary, along with 43 associates. Officers also recovered sticks and batons from the place.“The dispute is linked to access to a residential property,” said SSP Shlok Kumar. “The advocate owns a petrol pump on Chhata Road, and Chaudhary’s residence is located behind it. There has been a long-standing conflict regarding the access road that passes alongside the pump.”Following a complaint by the victim’s father, an FIR was registered at Barsana police station. The accused face charges under BNS Section 109(1) (attempt to murder) and several other sections. SSP Kumar added that the matter is under investigation and further action will be taken based on emerging facts.