Senior BSP leader, driver shot dead in UP district

Lucknow: Senior BSP leader Jugram Mehndi was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ambedkar Nagar district on Monday morning. His driver Sumeet Yadav was also killed in the shootout.

Two civilians have also been injured in the incident.

According to reports, Jugram Mehndi was passing through Hanswar police circle in his car when six men came on motorcycles and surrounded his car. The three men fired indiscriminately at the vehicle killing the BSP leader and his driver. Two passers-by also received bullet injuries. In about six round firing, Jugram and driver Sumeet received bullet injuries in the chest. This incident triggered a stampede like situation in the area.

The Bahujan Samaj Party leader and his driver were taken to the district hospital where they were declared brought dead.

SP Vipin Kumar Misra said that the deceased leader had about a dozen criminal cases registered against his name and the murder could be a result of his rivalry with one Khan Mubarak, who is presently lodged in jail.

The borders of the district have been sealed and the police have launched a search operation for the accused.