Hotelier's Son Shot Dead in Ghazipur; Police Suspect Gang Involvement
Varanasi: A 29-year-old man, the son of a hotelier, was shot dead by four masked assailants who arrived on two motorcycles and opened fire at him at his establishment on Fullanpur Bypass Road under the Kotwali police station area of Ghazipur late Friday night. The victim has been identified as Vineet Rai, who managed the daily operations of Bindu Hotel, owned by his father Alok Rai, a practicing lawyer from Godaur village.
Gang Angle Emerges
Investigators suspect that the prime accused, Shankar Pandey, is associated with the alleged 'Katra Gang', which has gained notoriety in Ghazipur city in recent months. Police sources said the gang is suspected of operating an extortion network targeting prominent traders and businessmen in the district, which was once considered a stronghold of late gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. DIG Varanasi Range Vaibhav Krishna stated that all such angles are being thoroughly examined. 'If any criminal gang is found to be active or attempting to establish its foothold, strict action will be taken and the network will be dismantled,' he said.
Police Teams Conduct Raids
Ghazipur SP Iraj Raja said that all four police teams constituted to crack the case are conducting raids at the suspected hideouts of the accused in Uttar Pradesh as well as neighboring districts of Bihar to ensure their early arrest. The sensational murder of Vineet Rai put the district police on high alert. The Ghazipur SP camped at the crime scene for several hours and supervised the investigation. DIG Krishna also reached Ghazipur on Saturday morning. Besides meeting the bereaved family, he reviewed the measures being taken by police to identify and arrest the shooters.
FIR Registered; Previous Incidents Under Scrutiny
Krishna said that an FIR has been registered against the prime accused, Shankar Pandey, and his three associates in connection with the murder. He added that allegations have surfaced that Pandey had made a similar attempt in 2024. 'The matter will be investigated thoroughly to ascertain why appropriate action was not taken earlier and whether any lapse contributed to the recurrence of such an incident,' Krishna said. Police sources revealed that a similar incident had occurred in February 2024, when Pandey and his associates allegedly vandalized the hotel. An FIR was registered in connection with that incident and action was taken against the accused. Officials further said that even before the 2024 episode, a non-cognizable report (NCR) had been lodged against Pandey on allegations of assaulting Vineet, indicating a history of disputes between the two.
Accountability Assured
Making it clear that accountability would be fixed at every level, the DIG asserted that no one found guilty in the case would be spared. According to police, around 11:30 pm, four masked men arrived at Bindu Hotel on two motorcycles and allegedly asked the security guard to arrange four bottles of beer. When the guard informed them that beer was not available, they remained near the premises. Meanwhile, Vineet came out of the hotel and was preparing to leave for home when the assailants allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at him. He sustained multiple bullet injuries and collapsed on the spot, while the attackers fled. Vineet was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
About the Author
Rajeev Dikshit reports from Varanasi, covering all beats across 10 districts in east Uttar Pradesh. With specialization in political, legal, crime, and developmental stories, he also explores religious, cultural, sports, lifestyle, and business stories. He enjoys writing features and long-form articles, delivering comprehensive and insightful coverage to readers.
