In Prayagraj, two suspects linked to the murder of a Samajwadi Party (SP) functionary were injured and subsequently arrested during a police encounter on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the trans-Ganga area, as law enforcement officials engaged the alleged assailants. The police have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances of the encounter or the identities of the individuals involved.
SP functionary Pawan Kumar Yadav (46) was shot dead on Tuesday near Handia town by three motorcycle-borne assailants. He was allegedly targeted by Nihal, Brijesh and Lalla outside a cafe located about 400 metres from the local police station.
Political rivalry appears to be the primary motive behind the killing, according to police. Police said Pawan Kumar Yadav was a former gram pradhan and ex-president of the Handia Pradhan Sangh. The accused were identified as Nihal and Lalla Yadav. Police also arrested two other individuals in connection with the case — Brijesh Yadav (another assailant) and Vinod Yadav (gram pradhan).
Investigation Reveals Pre-Attack Surveillance
Investigators have confirmed that the accused conducted reconnaissance prior to the attack. They regularly shared photographs of the victim with Vinod Yadav, indicating a planned approach to the incident.