VARANASI: A former gram pradhan Brijesh Yadav alias Pappu Yadav (48), who was again contesting the panchayat elections this time, was shot dead at Inderpur village in Badagaon area on Saturday night.
His family lodged a complaint against a history-sheeter Anil Yadav alias Bhushi Yadav accusing him of the murder.
Police lodged an FIR against Anil Yadav under Section 302 of IPC and launched a manhunt to nab him.
Police officials said Brijesh and Anil were friends earlier and the deceased panchayat poll contestant was also a history-sheeter.
SP (rural) Amit Verma said, “Initial probe has revealed that Anil developed a grudge against Brijesh after the latter secretly got a land registered from Anil’s relatives since Anil also had a claim on the land.”
Brijesh was returning home on a motorcycle when he was attacked near an orchard on the way. He received multiple bullet injuries and died on the way to the Trauma Centre of Banaras Hindu University.
“Before dying, he told his family that Anil had attacked him. His family members recorded a video of his statement naming the accused,” said the SP, adding that the family had given the video of his dying statement to police.
Senior police officials inspected the crime spot and a heavy police force was deployed in the village to maintain law and order. Raids were being conducted to nab the absconding accused.