Wetland resources are violently sought after in Etawah. Surender had purchased the right to fish near Sarsai Nawar lake from the panchayat. When some local goons came to coerce him to give up fishing in the lake so they could collect the spoils, he refused. Fishing rights are a crucial resource for the landless like him, many of whom are from lower castes. The goons shot him. One bullet hit him below the ribs, another pierced his forearm.