Houses of three murder-accused razed in Kannauj over ‘encroachment’

As per police, former head of Naruiya village Arun Shakya was murdered on Wednesday while he was visiting a primary school where boring work was ongoing. Police said, “When Shakya raised some questions about the work, Sarojini Devi’s husband Vijay Bahadur Yadav and his supporters locked him up in a room where he was beaten up, which resulted in his death later,” they said.

Kannauj SDM (Chhibramau) Ashok Kumar said, “There was illegal encroachment done by three people and all three properties were demolished on Friday. The properties were constructed on 40 by 7 square metre . The land was a part of the square nearby lake and was illegally encroached by
the three.”

Asked if they were served notice prior to the case being lodged, the SDM said, “Yes, they were served notice in the past too.” Police have so far arrested six persons in the murder case, while the search for the other accused is going on, said officials.

Kannauj Additional Superintendent Arvind Kumar said, “So far, we have arrested six persons. Twelve persons have been accused in the case so far. The remaining six who are absconding – including the main accused Sarojini Devi (village head) and her husband Vijay Kumar Yadav – will be nabbed soon.”

“The motive for the murder was rivalry over the village head post. The deceased, who was a former village head, had lodged a complaint a few months ago against the current village head. After the complaint, an investigation was done and the allegations against Sarojini Devi were prima facie found to be true and she was suspended by the District Magistrate. After the suspension, a committee was formed of which the deceased was also a member. On the day of the incident, some boring work was ongoing in the village and Shakya reached there and said something which led to an altercation. During the altercation, Shakya was beaten up by Vijay Bahadur and his aides. An injured Shakya was taken to the local health centre. He was later referred to another hospital where he died,” said the ASP.

Police identified the arrested people as Ajay Pratap, Brijendra Yadav, Jeetu Yadav, Karan Singh, Arun Kumar and Jitendra Kumar.

Speaking to mediapersons, BJP MLA from Chibramau Archana Pandey said that Shakya was one of her contacts and that the accused will face the “strictest action”. “The truth is that whoever did this may have done it, but now, they will know who they have faced off with. Strict action that will be taken. No one will be able to do something like this again… He (deceased) was in contact with me and worked for me and my party,” the MLA said.