Man shot dead after dispute over electricity cable in UP's Etawah

A 55-year-old man was allegedly shot dead following a dispute with his neighbour while replacing a faulty electricity cable in Etawah district, police said on Monday, Aug 31.

The incident occurred around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Nagla Jalal village, when Charan Singh got into an argument with his neighbour Sonkali while a damaged power cable connected to a transformer pole was being replaced, police said.

During the argument, Sonkali's grandson Raja allegedly opened fire at Singh with a country-made pistol, injuring him, Station House Officer Surendra Kumar Mishra said.

"Singh's brother Kayam Singh rushed to his aid, while his nephew Bantu brought a pickup vehicle to take him to hospital. However, when the family members were taking Singh in the pickup, Raja allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire at the vehicle, forcing them to flee and abandon it out of fear," the SHO said.

Singh remained in the pickup for some time and continued bleeding before the family could take him to the Community Health Centre at Sarsai Nawar, he said. "After providing first aid, doctors referred him to Saifai Medical College in view of his critical condition. Singh died on the way to the medical college, where doctors declared him dead on examination," the officer said.

Police reached the spot after being informed by the family and formed teams to arrest Raja. Raids are being conducted at possible locations, and the accused is expected to be arrested soon, the SHO said. The body was sent for post-mortem examination after completion of inquest proceedings, police said.