Former Gram Pradhan and Lawyer Gunned Down in Mirzapur
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Rajeev Singh, a 50-year-old lawyer and former gram pradhan, was brutally shot dead by two bike-borne attackers in the Katwaru ka Pura area of Mirzapur on Saturday morning. The tragic event occurred as Singh was returning home from his routine morning walk, highlighting the brazen nature of the crime in a residential locality.
CCTV Footage Provides Crucial Evidence
The entire shooting was captured on closed-circuit television cameras, providing police with vital visual evidence to identify the perpetrators. The footage clearly shows two individuals arriving on a motorcycle at the scene in Sadbhavana Nagar, where Singh resided with his family. One assailant remained seated on the bike while the other, dressed in distinctive white pants and shirt, approached Singh and opened fire at close range with what appears to be a country-made handgun.
After the shooting, the attackers attempted to flee the scene, but were pursued by alert villagers who witnessed the incident. In a dramatic turn, the accomplice turned the firearm on the chasing villagers, forcing them to retreat and allowing the duo to escape. The villagers immediately rushed Singh to the divisional hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Family Protests and Police Response
Singh's family and local supporters staged angry protests following the killing, blocking roads and demanding justice. The protesters revealed that Singh had previously filed complaints about receiving death threats and had sought police protection, which they claim was ignored. Police officials worked extensively to convince the protesters to call off their demonstration, promising a thorough investigation.
Mirzapur Superintendent of Police Aparna Rajat Kaushik addressed the media, stating that preliminary investigations suggest the attack is linked to a local dispute. "Based on our initial findings, this appears to be connected to a local conflict," Kaushik said. "We have registered an FIR and special teams are working round the clock to apprehend the killers."
Investigation Underway Amid Security Concerns
Responding to allegations that police failed to provide security despite Singh's prior complaints, SP Kaushik assured that the matter would be thoroughly examined. "No guilty person will be spared in this investigation," she emphasized, promising transparency in the probe. Police have collected forensic evidence from the crime scene and sent Singh's body for post-mortem examination to gather additional clues.
The incident has raised serious questions about security for public figures in the region, particularly given that Singh's wife currently serves as the gram pradhan of Devri village. Senior police officials, including the SP, personally visited the crime scene to oversee the investigation and reassure the community about their commitment to solving the case.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining all possible angles while the community mourns the loss of a respected lawyer and former village leader. The CCTV footage remains a critical piece of evidence that police hope will lead to swift identification and arrest of the perpetrators responsible for this daylight murder.
