SP leader's son killed, another critical in village brawl over kids' dispute; tensions high

Pratapgarh (The Uttam Hindu): Late Saturday night in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, a minor dispute escalated into a bloody conflict. Two groups clashed over a quarrel between children in Tajpur Sariyawan village of the Kotwali area. In the crossfire, one son of a Samajwadi Party leader and former village head was shot and killed, while the other son was seriously injured by a bullet in the head and has been referred to Prayagraj in critical condition. Tension has gripped the village since the incident, and the police, acting swiftly, arrested two of the accused.

According to the incident, SP leader and former village head Moazzam alias Guddu, a resident of Tajpur Sariyawan village, has an old rivalry with Tanveer and his family living in the same neighborhood. On Saturday night at around 9 pm, a dispute arose between the children of both families over some issue. Soon, an argument broke out between the elders and both sides came face to face. It is alleged that during this time, Tanveer, his brother Sohrab and other associates started firing at Moazzam's sons. The attackers shot Moazzam's son Ehtesham alias Sahil in the head and Furkan in the neck.

The sound of gunfire sent shockwaves through the entire area. Both brothers, covered in blood, were immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared Furkan dead from a gunshot wound to the neck. Sahil, who was shot in the head, remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment in Prayagraj. As news of the murder spread, a large crowd of villagers gathered at CHC Kunda, creating a mournful and angry atmosphere.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Inspector Avan Kumar Dixit arrived at the scene with a police force. Given the seriousness of the situation and the growing tension in the village, the ASP deployed a heavy police force, transforming the entire village into a cantonment. Acting swiftly, the police arrested the main accused, SP leaders Tanveer and Shahbaz. They also recovered the rifle used in the crime. Police officials say the case is being thoroughly investigated and the other culprits will be apprehended soon.