A festive wedding procession turned tragic on Friday night when a 22-year-old groom, Azad Bind, was shot dead by three masked men on a motorcycle in Jaunpur's Khetasarai area. The incident occurred near Badshahi Bazar, where the baraat was passing through.
Details of the Incident
The wedding procession had left Badaur village for Bibpur Jamdaha on Friday evening. As it reached Badshahi Bazar, three masked men on a motorcycle overtook the groom's vehicle and blocked it. Without warning, they fired indiscriminately at Azad and fled towards Jaunpur. The groom was seated in the front passenger seat at the time of the attack.
Panic erupted in the crowded market as shots rang out. Locals alerted the police, and Azad was rushed to a nearby hospital. However, due to his critical condition, he was referred to the district hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Victim's Brother Recounts the Attack
Azad's younger brother, Akash, who was in the same car, stated: They came from the side, fired at close range, and then again from the front before fleeing. We rushed him to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The car driver reportedly fled the scene in panic during the firing.
Accused and Motive
Initial police investigation identified the prime accused as Pradeep Bind, who has a long criminal history and is named in other murder cases. He had a rivalry with the victim over local dominance. After learning that Azad was set to marry a girl from his extended family, Pradeep allegedly threatened to kill him on the wedding day.
Azad's father, Ramlakhan Bind, filed an FIR naming Pradeep Bind, Ravi Yadav, and Bhole Rajbhar as the accused. He alleged that the murder was linked to opposition to the marriage. Pradeep Bind had reportedly warned Azad over the phone not to proceed with the wedding. Ramlakhan also cited a previous incident from three years ago when he and his son were assaulted by around 30 people in Japtapur village, but no action was taken despite filing a case.
Police Investigation
IG Varanasi Range, Vaibhav Krishna, confirmed that a case under BNS 103 (1) (murder) has been registered against the three accused. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene, and CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined. Multiple angles, including personal rivalry and the alleged love affair, are being probed. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
Police teams are searching for the accused, and a bounty of Rs 25,000 has been announced on each of them. Samajwadi Party district president Rakesh Maurya visited the mortuary and met the grieving family, demanding swift action against the perpetrators.
Azad worked in a private company in Pune and was set to marry Soni Bind, with whom he had been in a relationship for the past two years. The marriage had been fixed about six to seven months ago.
