Pradhan shot dead,mob lynches one assailant

Kumhaur village pradhan,Ashok Kumar (40),was shot dead by some men outside his house in Mainpur on Wednesday morning. Residents caught one of the assailants and lynched him to death. The assailant has been identified as Ajay Mishra of Etawah district. A countrymade pistol was found on him.

Police suspect the murder was a fallout of dispute over the pradhan election. Ashok’s family has lodged an FIR against four people — Updesh,Nirvesh,Sandesh,Harikesh — and three other unidentified youths at Kisni police station. No arrests have been made yet.

Police said during a pradhan election Ashok Kumar and one Kamla Devi polled 725 votes each. After a recount failed to achieve result,Ashok Kumar was declared winner by draw of lots. Kamla Devi had moved court challenging the decision.

Mainpuri SP Shri Kant Singh said the matter is still pending in court. He said Updesh is the son of Kamla Devi. The police said Ajay Mishra was a friend of Updesh.