A 30-year-old tile worker was allegedly beheaded with a sword in a market in Sant Kabir Nagar district on Thursday evening. Police suspect the murder was an act of revenge over a dispute that began at a wedding ceremony earlier this week.
Attack Details
The victim, Anand, a resident of Bakhira, was returning home when he was allegedly intercepted by Nasir Ali, 18, and his five associates near Babhni Crossing. According to eyewitnesses and police, one of the accused handed a sword to Nasir, who then allegedly attacked Anand on the neck. The blow was so severe that he died on the spot.
Motive Behind the Murder
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the murder stemmed from an altercation at a wedding where Nasir allegedly harassed Anand's niece. Anand reportedly confronted and slapped the accused, triggering a grudge that investigators believe culminated in the fatal attack.
Public Outrage
Angry villagers blocked roads and allegedly torched Nasir's roadside kiosk and house. Senior officers, including SP Sandeep Kumar Meena, rushed to the scene to bring the situation under control. The unrest continued on Friday as nearly 500 villagers, including a large number of women carrying sticks, blocked the Lilabad-Mehdawal road demanding action against the accused. Police used force to disperse sections of the crowd after clashes and attempts to obstruct official work.
Body Transfer Delayed
Tension flared when police attempted to send the body for postmortem. Anand's family members tried to stop the ambulance and engaged in a scuffle with cops. The situation became more chaotic when the ambulance broke down en route, delaying the transfer of the body.
Victim's Family Demands Justice
The victim's wife, Meena Devi, demanded the strictest action against the accused. "My husband was brutally murdered. We want a life for a life. All the accused should be encountered and bulldozer action should be taken against them," she said.
Police Action
Late Thursday night, ADG Ashok Mutha Jain, DIG Sanjeev Tyagi, and DM Alok Kumar visited the spot and reviewed the situation. Multiple police teams have been formed to trace the accused, who remain absconding. Meanwhile, authorities carried out demolition action on temporary structures allegedly linked to the main accused and his associates, including a barber shop operated by Nasir and nearby makeshift commercial establishments.
Background of Victim
Anand, who had returned home from Chennai on May 6 and was preparing to leave again for work, is survived by his wife and two minor daughters. Based on a complaint filed by the victim's father, police registered a case against four persons, including three named accused—Nasir, Nirahu, and Jaigam. ADG Ashok Mutha Jain said several teams are conducting raids to arrest the accused.
