Sant Kabir Nagar wrestler beaten to death; panchayat poll rivalry angle being probed

LUCKNOW: A 35-year-old wrestler was beaten to death by a group of assailants in Bhagtan Gosainpur village of Khalilabad in Sant Kabir Nagar on Tuesday evening.The attackers allegedly threw chilli powder into his eyes before assaulting him with sticks, rods and sharp-edged weapons.A possible rivalry linked to the upcoming panchayat polls is also being examined as a motive behind the killing.The victim, Brahmanand (35), was a resident of Bhagtan Gosainpur and was known as a wrestler and district-level Kesari. The incident took place around 5.30 pm, about 10 km from the district headquarters.According to his family, Brahmanand was returning on his motorcycle after going to purchase chokar (cattle feed) when he was intercepted by 8 to 10 men around 100 metres from his house.The attackers allegedly first threw chilli powder into his eyes, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle and fall on the road. They then allegedly attacked him with sticks and sharp-edged weapons, leaving him critically injured.On being informed, family members rushed to the spot and took Brahmanand to the Community Health Centre in Khalilabad. Given his critical condition, doctors referred him to the district hospital. However, he died on the way.Following his death, family members and villagers placed the body on the Khalilabad bypass and blocked the road, demanding action against those responsible.Police officials assured them of action against the accused, following which the protesters agreed to remove the body from the road.Police took custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.SP, Sant Kabir Nagar, Sandeep Meena, told TOI that an FIR against Abhimanyu, Chabiram, Rakesh Yadav, Ajay has been registered under the charges of murder on the complaint of the victim’s brother Ramakant Yadav.“We have detained some people and are questioning them,” said Meena. Investigators are probing the circumstances leading to the attack, including the reported rivalry over village headship while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in LucknowStay updated with the latest Lucknow news. Download the TOI App.