BJP corporator shot dead in Phulpur, family alleges political enmity

A BJP corporator was shot dead by motorcycle-borne men in Phulpur on Tuesday night. Police have launched a hunt for the accused.

Phulpur inspector Awadhesh Pratap Singh said the incident took place while 34-year-old Pawan Kesari, the elected representative of Lochanganj ward, was dropping a friend home after dinner at an eatery in the neighbourhood. The friend, Arif from Sheikhpur Takia village, escaped unhurt.

The corporator’s family has lodged an FIR against four people, two of whom have been identified as Sonu and Pravez Alam. Incidentally, Sonu’s brother – Shehzade – was gunned down near a railway crossing in the area a few months ago.

“Pawan’s family has alleged political enmity as the motive behind the murder. We are investigating that angle too, among others,” said Singh. However, police were unable to confirm the exact number of assailants.

Meanwhile, BJP workers staged a demonstration to demand the immediate arrest of the accused. Security personnel have been deployed across Phulpur in large numbers to prevent any untoward incident, senior superintendent of police (Allahabad) Akash Kulhary said, adding that three people have been detained for questioning.

Kesari, who was said to be close to deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, sustained two bullet injuries in the chest and head. He was taken to the SRN Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

A woman, identified as Urmila, was also hit by a stray bullet fired by the assailants. She is recuperating at a local hospital.

Police said Kesari’s post-mortem examination was conducted amid heavy security, after which the body was taken to Phulpur for cremation on Wednesday morning.