Ex-MLA's murder triggers violence in Azamgarh, 2 killed in police firing - Indian Express

Rioting broke out in Azamgarh after a BSP leader and former MLA from Sagri, Sarvesh Singh 'Seepu' (35), and his acquaintance Bharat Rai (40) were shot dead by unidentified assailants outside their house under Jiyanpur police station Friday morning. Police said the motive behind the murders was not yet clear.

Later, two other persons, a youth Jitendra and an elderly man Chandrabhan Chaubey, were also killed and around 15 people were injured in alleged police firing at a huge mob during a pitched battle that followed the murders.

While Jitendra died on the spot, Chaubey succumbed to his injuries on his way to the district hospital.

At least two police riot control vehicles, besides half-a-dozen police motorcycles, were torched by the mob. Police officials also said the mob snatched away some firearms and also tried to torch the police station.

Additional reinforcements were brought in by afternoon, but the police had not been able to take custody of the bodies until evening.

Senior police and administration officials, including Varanasi Zone Inspector General of Police G L Meena and Azamgarh District Magistrate Neena Sharma, were holding talks with the family of the former MLA and other important persons in the locality to pacify the situation.

According to the police, the incident occurred between 9.30 a.m. and 9.45 a.m. "The former MLA was talking to Bharat just outside his house, close to the market area, when three persons came on a motorcycle and shot at them from a close range. Both died on the spot. The assailants then escaped," said a police officer.

SP (Rural), K K Chowdhary, said: "The former MLA was moving in the area in a relaxed manner and also had tea with some people. He returned to his house and was talking to Bharat when the assailants struck."

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