LUCKNOW: An alleged dispute over payment for biryani at a restaurant in Lucknow led to the murder of a truck driver, Kuldeep Rawat (32), police said on Tuesday.
According to the family members of the victim, a local biryani shop owner, Balle alias Deepu, and his two associates, Shera, and Ramsevak, brutally thrashed Kuldeep when he entered into a dispute with them over payment for the food he consumed. Police said Rawat had eaten two plates of biryani and paid for just one.
The incident took place on Monday night while his body with visible head injuries was found by the roadside on Tuesday morning.
Police initially suspected that Kuldeep, who was reportedly drunk, died after falling due to intoxication. However, locals told the victim's family about the dispute with Balle.
Later, when the post mortem confirmed fractured ribs, the police lodged a murder FIR against Balle and his two associates.
"All three accused have been arrested and sent to jail while further probe is on," said deputy commissioner of police, south zone, Nipun Agarwal.
Earlier, the locals, demanding immediate arrest of the accused and compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the family, staged a protest by placing the victim's body on Bani-Mohan Road. The protest caused massive traffic congestion on the highway for nearly two hours.
Kuldeep, a native of Unnao, had been staying in Banthra's Kati Baghia area with his family for the past 20 years.
Kuldeep's wife, Preeti, his two daughters, Swati and Sakshi, demanded strict punishment for the culprits.
Stay updated with breaking
news,
weather updates,
bank holidays and upcoming
public holidays in march.
Start a Conversation
Post comment