The Bhargava family is blaming the police—for their initial delay in reaching the crime scene, and the ongoing delay in arresting the accused.

“Usi wakt pakad sakte thhey,” Mehar’s husband and state Congress leader Luv Bhargava said. “My driver had chased the criminals for a considerable distance, and had even cried out for help from four policemen present at the gate of the SSP’s residence. Yet, they did not arrest the criminals...”

Ironically, Dalippur Tower, where Mehar was attacked, is close to the residence of Lucknow’s SSP, Ashutosh Pandey, on Sapru Marg.

Luv, however, is not ready to produce the driver before the media. “His life is under threat, and it’s my duty to protect him—he is at a safe place now,” Luv told The Indian

Express on Monday. Recalling the tragedy, he said, “I received a call from my driver around 10.15 am. ‘Bahu rani ko goli markar bhag rahe hain. Police wallah kuchh bhi nahin kiya’, he cried over the phone.

“Nayee nayee kahani garh rahi hai police.” SSP Pandey, however, said, “The police gave proper response time. We had picked up one person within two hours of the incident.”

IG Tripathi said he is unaware of Luv’s allegations against the policemen deployed at the SSP’s residence. “If he makes complaints against the policemen, we would examine his allegations.”