BJP Councillor Arrested in SP Worker’s Murder Case after Encounter

A BJP councillor, Udaybhan Singh, was arrested following a police encounter relating to the murder of SP worker Om Prakash Singh in Uttar Pradesh. Police had earlier announced a reward for his capture. Accusing police of bias, the victim’s family demanded a CBI inquiry and financial help from the state.

A BJP councillor has been arrested following an encounter with police in connection with the murder case of a Samajwadi Party (SP) worker in this Uttar Pradesh district, officials said on Wednesday.

Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal reported that Om Prakash Singh, an SP worker, was killed in broad daylight on Friday. A murder case was registered against five people, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor Udaybhan Singh alias Lallan Sing and his three sons, following a complaint from the victim's wife.

Jaiswal stated that the police had previously detained two suspects, Chandan Singh and Rohit, but the main accused, Udaybhan Singh, remained at large. A reward of Rs 25,000 had been announced for information leading to his arrest.

On Tuesday night, a police team managed to surround Udaybhan Singh on the Colonelganj-Belsar-Nawabganj road. After firing at the security personnel, he was injured in retaliatory shooting by the police. He was apprehended and taken to a hospital for treatment. A motorcycle, a pistol, and empty cartridges were retrieved from him.

Family members of the deceased accused the local police of assistance to the accused and demanded justice by staging a protest. SP President Akhilesh Yadav instructed a party delegation to visit the victim's family and provide Rs 5 lakh as financial assistance. The delegation assured all possible help to ensure justice.

The victim's daughter questioned the investigation and demanded a CBI inquiry. The family also sought financial help from the state government and a government job for one family member.

(With inputs from agencies.)