Ajay Rai detained while heading to meet family of murdered Gonda trader

Lucknow, September 12: Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai was detained on Saturday while travelling to meet the family of murdered Gonda trader Vinod Kumar Sahni.

Police stopped Rai’s convoy near the Shahpur toll plaza in Barabanki at about 12.34 pm. He and the vehicles accompanying him were subsequently taken to a police station.

Rai accused the Uttar Pradesh government of preventing him from offering condolences to Sahni’s family. Congress workers gathered outside the police station and demanded justice for the trader.

Sahni, an utensils trader from Gonda, was allegedly attacked following a dispute over a social media post. He died at King George’s Medical University in Lucknow on Thursday while undergoing treatment.

Police added murder charges after his death and arrested three accused, according to the report. Three police personnel, including a station house officer, were also suspended in connection with the case.

The killing has led to protests by leaders from several parties. Uttar Pradesh minister and Nishad Party president Sanjay Nishad earlier staged a protest at the KGMU mortuary.

Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahni and Samajwadi Party leader Rajpal Kashyap also joined protests demanding action. Political parties have sought accountability from the police and the state government.

(With inputs from IANS)