A man accused of planning to kill a former BJP member has been arrested following a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, police said on Wednesday.
They added that the man, named Shadab, was shot in the leg during the confrontation late on Tuesday night and was taken to the hospital to receive treatment.
According to the police, he allegedly arrived at Verma’s Tambor district residence with the intention of killing the former parliamentarian over an old land dispute. The BJP leader is currently the president of the Uttar Pradesh Backward Classes Commission.
Police officials said the accused was carrying a locally made pistol, cartridges and a knife.
Laharpur Circle Officer Abhishek Kumar said the search operation was launched after the police received information about her.
Read also| UP leads India in rooftop solar growth; Lucknow tops all regions
“Late at night, the police received information that the accused was hiding in a mango orchard near a brick kiln. A police team surrounded the area, but the accused opened fire on the individuals and fired two shots,” Kumar said.
The police responded in self-defense, and a bullet hit the defendant in the leg, wounding him. The source added that he was immediately arrested and transferred to the regional hospital to receive treatment.
The police said that a .312 caliber pistol, two spent cartridges, two live cartridges and a knife were recovered from the accused.
Read also| Teenager rescued when UP Police busts child trafficking ring in Hapur; 4 arrested
According to police, Shadab has no previous criminal record. The necessary legal measures have been taken in the case and the investigation is still ongoing.
Rajesh Verma represented Sitapur Lok Sabha constituency for two consecutive terms from 2014 to 2024. He lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
