Man stabbed to death in UP’s Prayagraj, accused arrested hours later in shootout

Police said the murder took place because of an old dispute between the victim and the accused, Vishal Kumar, which resurfaced when they ran into each other in the Civil Lines area on Thursday evening.

A heated argument reportedly broke out, during which the accused allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked the journalist multiple times, fatally injuring him.

“We have arrested the prime accused, Vishal Kumar, following a shootout in which he was injured. During questioning, he admitted to the crime. Statements from eyewitnesses confirm his involvement,” said Additional Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, Ajay Pal.

The 40-year-old accused sustained four bullet injuries during the shootout, which occurred a short distance from the crime scene, and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. Doctors have stated that his condition is stable, a police officer said.

Police officers said three more persons have been detained for questioning to ascertain whether they had any role in the murder. “We are verifying if anyone else was involved in planning or executing the crime,” Pal said.

Singh, who hailed from Ballia, had been living in Prayagraj with his wife and children for the past few years, working as a freelance journalist. Before turning to journalism, Singh had operated a cable network in the city.

According to police, on Thursday, Singh had gone to meet a friend in Civil Lines. While he was standing near the meeting point, Vishal arrived. After a brief exchange of words, the two began arguing heatedly.

Police said that during the altercation, Vishal reportedly pulled out a knife from a packet he had recently purchased and attacked Singh. He stabbed him multiple times, causing Singh to collapse on the ground as locals watched in shock. Residents rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. He had multiple stab wounds.

Station House Officer (SHO) of Civil Lines police station, Ram Asrey Yadav, said the incident took place following a dispute between the journalist and accused.

A few hours after the murder, police began searching for Kumar and found him in the Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj. When police tried to stop him, he allegedly fired at them while trying to escape. The police fired back and shot him in the leg. He was caught and taken to a hospital for treatment and is now under police supervision, they said.