A former aide to a councillor was brutally murdered in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, prompting a police investigation and political criticism over the state's law and order situation.
A former aide to a councillor was allegedly stabbed to death by four unidentified persons here while he was out on a morning walk on Tuesday, police said.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 5.30 am on Tuesday, merely 500 metres from the residence of the deceased -- Raj Kumar Chauhan (38) -- in Bargadwa area under Chiluatal police station limits.
The assailants allegedly intercepted Chauhan when he left for his morning walk, and stabbed him multiple times. Family members rushed him to the BRD Medical College, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Kaustubh said the attack was reported early in the morning.
Based on a complaint lodged by the victim's family, a case has been registered naming eight persons from the same village as accused. So far, seven suspects have been detained and are currently being interrogated.
"Eight police teams have been constituted to investigate the case. CCTV footage from seven cameras installed in the village is being analysed. Some crucial evidence has also been collected. All angles, including old enmities, are being thoroughly investigated," the SSP said.
Police said Chauhan was a former councillor's representative and was also engaged in business. Investigators are examining an alleged dispute dating back to 2023 as a potential motive for the murder.
He had served as a councilor's representative between 2018 and 2023.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP government over the incident.
"In Uttar Pradesh, law and order has been shot dead. This broad-daylight murder in the city of Gorakhpur clearly reveals, whose patronage these fearless criminals enjoy. The public is wise enough to understand this," Yadav said in a post on X.