Hardoi man dragged 2.5 km tied to car dies; friend arrested, sent to jail

A 40-year-old man has died after he was allegedly tied to a car and dragged along a road for about 2.5 km by a friend in the Pihani area of Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district, police said.

Bablu Rathore succumbed on Monday night while undergoing treatment at a trauma centre in Lucknow, officials said.

The incident dates back to September 19. According to the police, Bablu's friend Vimlesh Rathore had taken him from his home to Shahabad, and the two later went to Bablu's in-laws' house in Pihani.

While returning that day, the two are said to have consumed alcohol, after which an argument broke out between them. Vimlesh allegedly tied Bablu's hands to the car with a cloth and dragged him along the road for around 2 to 2.5 km, before abandoning him by the roadside and fleeing the spot.

Following Bablu's death, his body was brought to Hardoi after the post-mortem. Family members attempted to block the road near the Dak Bungalow, demanding compensation. Police reached the site and persuaded them to take the body to their village for the last rites.

The family has said Bablu was the sole breadwinner and head of the household, and that his death has left them in financial distress.

Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Meena said Vimlesh Rathore had already been arrested and produced before a court, which sent him to jail. Further legal action is being taken in view of Bablu's death, the SP added.

Heavy police deployment has been put in place in the village as a precautionary measure.