Was shot dead allegedly because he gave patronage to a couple who had eloped
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The pradhan of Khoda Dayalpur village in Uttar Pradesh has been shot dead, allegedly because he gave patronage to a couple who had eloped. The incident took place in Alipur Meena village of Hastinapur area on Friday, police said.
Deceased pradhan Arjun Kumar’s brother Monu has lodged a complaint at the Hastinapur police station against Rajendra, son of a block pramukh, and his four aides in connection with the murder.
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On Friday, Arjun Kumar had gone to attend a panchayat in Alipur Morna village, which had been convened to settle the issue pertaining to elopement of the couple, when he was shot dead.
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Angry villagers later blocked road for over an hour demanding immediate arrest of accused Rajendra. They also damaged the vehicle of Rajendra.
“Raids are underway to arrest the accused,” said SP (Rural) Rajesh Kumar.
The police have recovered a loaded revolver and two magazines from Rajendra’s vehicle.
A youth from Khoda Dayalpur village had eloped with a woman from neighbouring Bhandaura village last month. A panchayat was convened on Thursday where family members of the eloped woman blamed pradhan Arjun Kumar for sheltering the couple. He was threatened either to produce the couple or face dire consequences.
On Friday, another panchayat was proposed in Alipur Morna village. Arjun had gone there to get the issue resolved as the youth who had eloped was from his village. He was attacked during the discussion and shot dead.
The Mawana police had earlier booked Arjun on charges of looting cash from the cashier of a gas agency five months ago. He had recently come out on bail.
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