Balyan had created a reign of terror in Muzaffarnagar, says girl's family

NOIDA: The family members of Riya Chaudhury, who was shot dead by Rohtash Balyan in 2014, expressed satisfaction over the arrest of gangster. Suresh Chaudhury, Riya's father, told TOI that Balyan had created a reign of terror in Bhaurkala area in Muzaffarnagar.
He recalled that Rohtash and his gang members had a land dispute with his cousin Chandrapal.Though Chandrapal was a police constable, the criminals used to threaten him with dire consequences. "They used to arrive at his house and threaten him frequently. Fearing for his security, Chandrapal used to live at some other places," Chaudhury said.
Once in a while, Chandrapal used to visit his house and shared the problems with him. On the fateful day on March 10, 2014, Chaudhury was sitting with Chandrapal at his house.
"Suddenly Rohtash came with three persons. They had gun in their hands. Rohtash pointed a gun at Chandrapal. I intervened to save him," he said.
The criminals started abusing Chaudhury and thrashed him. "Rohtash then pointed the gun at me. He said that I was giving him shelter," he said.
Chaudhury's wife Anita was in the kitchen while daughter Riya was studying. Riya was appearing for Class XII examinations that week. She had already appeared for two papers. "My daughter and wife came out and they too intervened. Rohtash opened fire at me. My daughter immediately came in front of me and she received the bullet on her chest. She was rushed to a private hospital where doctors declared her dead," he said.
Chaudhury's wife Anita was also shot on her left hand. She later recovered in the hospital.
The Union government honoured Riya with National Bravery Award on January 26, 2015. The UP government also awarded her with Rani Laxmi Bai Veerta Puraskaar in March 2015.
Chaudhury said that Rohtash had been pressuring him and Chandrapal to settle the case. The state government had given two security personnel to Suresh Chaudhury. "We need to visit the court frequently for hearing. We are happy that the accused is now behind bars," Chaudhury, who works in a sugar mill, said.
Anita said that even a few months ago Rohtash threatened that it would be good for the family to reach a compromise. "Even Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had security. Do not rely too much on security," the accused had told the family. The family feels that though the main accused is behind bars, some gang members are still at large.
Anita said that she is a proud mother of a brave child. "I am a proud mother. Riya wanted to become an engineer when she was alive," she said.