Former Block Pramukh and Two Others Convicted in 2016 Village Election Murder
A local court in Ambedkar Nagar has delivered a significant verdict, convicting former Katehari block pramukh Ajay Pratap Singh, popularly known as Ajay Sipahi, along with two other individuals, for the 2016 murder of Sultanpur resident Mansharam. The case, which stemmed from intense village election rivalry, saw the court of additional district and sessions judge (ADJ-I) find the accused guilty of criminal conspiracy and murder.
Details of the Conviction and Upcoming Sentencing
Following the conviction, Ajay Sipahi, Mulayam Yadav, and Ajay Kumar Yadav were immediately taken into judicial custody and transported to jail. The court has scheduled the announcement of the quantum of their sentence for February 24. In a related development, another accused in the case was acquitted due to insufficient evidence, highlighting the court's careful scrutiny of the facts presented.
Background of the 2016 Murder Incident
The tragic incident occurred on March 23, 2016, in Loknathpur village, located within the limits of the Mahrua police station. According to a complaint filed by Mansharam's aunt, Chandrawati, on the morning of that fateful day, Mulayam Yadav and Ajay Kumar lured Mansharam from his home under the pretext of offering him paan and escorted him to Mahrua.
When Mansharam failed to return home by the afternoon, his family initiated a frantic search. They later discovered he had attended a feast in Loknathpur village, but despite exhaustive efforts, he remained untraceable. Alarming rumours of gunshots in the area further heightened their suspicions, painting a grim picture of the unfolding events.
Discovery of the Body and Investigation Findings
The next morning, on March 24, 2016, Mansharam's body was recovered near the Bhevapar minor canal in Mahrua. A post-mortem examination revealed he had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen, confirming the family's worst fears.
Subsequent investigations uncovered that the murder was directly linked to political enmity arising from the 2015 gram pradhan elections. Mulayam Yadav, who had contested in these polls, allegedly held Mansharam responsible for his defeat, as Mansharam had supported a rival candidate. This rivalry escalated into a violent confrontation, culminating in the tragic loss of life.
Legal Proceedings and Accusations
A complaint filed by Mansharam's uncle, Om Prakash Yadav, before the DIG Faizabad on March 26, 2016, brought Ajay Sipahi's involvement to light. The complaint alleged that Mansharam was taken to the under-construction house of Ajay Sipahi in Loknathpur, where the accused shot him dead. This accusation played a crucial role in the legal proceedings, leading to the recent convictions.
The case underscores the severe consequences of political rivalries in local elections and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding law and order in community disputes. The upcoming sentencing on February 24 is eagerly awaited by the victim's family and the local community, who seek justice for this heinous crime.
