UP journalist murder: 5 held, cops say trader’s mining business was getting affected

Mishra, a reporter with a local Hindi daily, was shot by three motorcycle-borne men who stopped his car while he was on way to Ambedkar Nagar. He had died at the hospital during treatment.

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On Thursday, Sandeep Singh, Rahul Singh, Pawan Singh, Ajay Singh and Haider Abbas alias Gabbar were arrested for his murder. Police claimed to have recovered a .9 mm pistol that was used to kill Mishra, two countrymade pistols, live cartridges and Rs 20,000 cash.

Circle Officer of Jaisinghpur area, Gurmeet Singh, said Rahul Singh had been involved in illegal mining of soil in Kurwar.

“His business was affected due to Mishra’s interventions. Rahul, along with his friend Sandeep, who has a criminal record, and Haider and Pawan, planned to kill Mishra by hiring three persons for Rs 1.20 lakh,” he added.

“One of the accused, among the three motorcycle-borne persons who shot Mishra, is Ajay Singh.
Two others — Aman and Mama — are still absconding,” said the officer.