Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh), May 25 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday shot dead Ravi Yadav, the prime accused in the sensational Jaunpur groom murder case, during an encounter after he allegedly opened fire on a police team, officials said.

Ravi Yadav, who carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his arrest, was wanted in connection with the killing of a groom during the wedding procession earlier this month in the Khetasarai area of Jaunpur district.

According to police officials, the encounter took place late at night during a combing operation being carried out in the Gorari area under the jurisdiction of Khetasarai police station.

Police said two criminals riding a motorcycle came face-to-face with the police team during the operation. After realising they had been cornered, the accused allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at the police personnel.

The police retaliated in self-defence, leading to an exchange of gunfire during which Ravi Yadav sustained bullet injuries.

Officials said the injured accused was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where doctors later declared him dead.

During the encounter, K.K. Singh, Station Incharge of Line Bazar police station, also sustained a bullet injury to his hand. Another police officer narrowly escaped after a bullet struck his bulletproof jacket, officials added.

According to the police, one of Ravi Yadav’s accomplices managed to escape from the spot under the cover of darkness during the exchange of fire. Police teams have launched raids at multiple locations to trace and arrest the absconding accused.

Ravi Yadav was a named accused in the tragic groom murder case that took place on May 1 and had triggered widespread outrage in the district.

In the incident, unidentified assailants had allegedly shot dead groom Azad Bind inside his car on a highway in the Khetasarai area while he was travelling with his wedding procession towards the marriage venue.

Following the sensational killing, the police had announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh each for three accused persons linked to the case.

According to the police investigation, Pradeep Bind, who is reportedly related to the bride and was allegedly opposed to the marriage, is believed to have conspired with his associates to execute the murder plot.

Azad Bind’s mother Chand Tara, speaking to IANS, said, “There is some hope for justice now. We recently met the DGP, and after that, it feels like the administration is doing its work.”

Police officials said two other accused in the case are still absconding, and multiple police teams from different stations are conducting continuous raids to locate and apprehend them.

Further investigation into the case is underway.

–IANS

sd/rad