Samajwadi Party leader shot dead in UP; two held

MAINPURI (UP): A Samajwadi party leader was shot dead allegedly by the husband of his opponent, whom he had defeated in the recent panachayat elections in the state, sparking protests by locals in Kuraoli area here, police said today.

Newly elected zila panchayat member Ravindra Kumar alias Bhole was shot dead on Saturday in Kuraoli market by Ganga Prasad whose wife Seva Kumari had contested the panchayat elections but lost, police said.

The victim was being rushed to a hospital in Agra by party MLA Raj Kumar but he succumbed to his injuries on the way, they said.

As the news of his death spread in the area, the irate mob set Ganga Prasad's house afire and torched a fire brigade tender, an official said.

Two persons have been arrested and fire arms were recovered from their possession, said Additional SP Swaminath.

Senior police officials had rushed to the spot and forces were deployed to bring the situation under control, police said, adding no untoward incident has been reported so far.