Ghaziabad- Even five days after the stabbing death of young Surya Chauhan in Khoda Colony, the local market continues to remain completely closed amid ongoing grief, anger, and tension in the area.

Surya Chauhan was stabbed on May 28, the day of Bakrid. According to police, Surya was stabbed during an argument after refusing to watch a goat being slaughtered. Despite his injuries, he reportedly ran for help before collapsing. He later succumbed to his wounds on 29 May. The incident sparked outrage, with Surya's family and Hindu organisations demanding swift justice. Tensions escalated as the family delayed his last rites and called for strict action against all those involved.

The incident has left the locality on edge, with heavy security deployment by the authorities. Around 400 personnel, including police and Rapid Response Force (RRF) units, have been stationed within a one-kilometre radius of the site. Barricades have been erected, while drone surveillance and flag marches are being regularly conducted to maintain law and order.

Following the murder, the police carried out an encounter of the main accused, Asad. Three other accused, including his father Nawab, have been arrested, while one accused is still absconding. Action has also been initiated against alleged illegal constructions linked to the accused family.

The victim’s family continues to reel under shock. Surya’s elder brother Yash Chauhan has been inconsolable, while their mother Saroj’s emotional and physical condition remains critical. Yash is also undergoing treatment for a pre-existing illness that has worsened after the tragedy. The family, which belongs to a modest economic background and lives in a rented house, has received visits from several political leaders and local representatives who have announced financial assistance.

Local traders, both Hindu and Muslim, have refused to reopen their shops, citing safety concerns and demanding complete assurance of security before resuming business.

In response to the incident, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned attempts to exploit the tragedy for communal polarisation.

The CPI(M) Delhi State Committee expressed deep grief over Surya Chauhan’s murder and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. A party delegation from the Ghaziabad District Committee visited the family at their residence in Khoda Colony.

The delegation included comrades Brajesh Singh, Ishwar Tyagi, Neeru Sengar, Devendra Sharma, Tirphool Singh and others. After interacting with the family and locals, the party noted the extremely difficult financial condition of the household, which depends mainly on the mother’s daily wage labour.

The CPI(M) demanded a fair, transparent and lawful investigation into the murder and strict punishment for the guilty. However, the party expressed serious concern over the police encounter of the accused and the issuance of bulldozer notices against the accused’s properties, terming such actions as “encounter and bulldozer politics” that weaken the rule of law and promote revenge and division.

Anurag Saxena, Secretary of the CPI(M) Delhi state committee, sharply criticised the RSS, Bajrang Dal and other communal organisations for allegedly trying to inflame communal tensions and divide communities by exploiting the incident. It urged the administration to firmly curb hate speech, rumours and communal provocation while appealing to citizens to maintain peace, restraint and communal harmony.