BSP leader shot dead in Allahabad

Allahabad, March 20

A BSP leader was shot dead in a remote area of the Allahabad last night, triggering tension in the area.

Mohd Shami, 60, was gunned down by assailants close to his residence in Mauaima police station area, 40 km from the city, according to SSP Shalabh Mathur.

Following the incident, his supporters squatted on the Allahabad-Pratapgarh highway demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and adequate security to his family members.

According to BSP sources, Shami had joined the party last year soon after losing the panchayat polls, ending his long association with the SP. He had also contested the assembly polls in 2002 on an SP ticket from Kunda against controversial independent MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya who went on to become a minister in the previous Akhilesh Yadav government.

He was also said to be involved in a feud with local leaders of the BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, sources claimed. Adequate deployment of police has been made in the area to keep the situation under control. — PTI