Liquor shop salesman beaten to death for not selling booze before business hours

Lucknow: A 35-year-old liquor shop salesman was allegedly beaten to death with an iron rod in Malihabad area on Monday morning after he refused to provide liquor before the outlet opened, police said. The attack, captured on CCTV, also left another man injured when he tried to intervene.

The incident took place around 8.30 am under the Malihabad police station limits. The deceased has been identified as Ajay Jaiswal alias Rinku, son of Ram Autar Jaiswal and a resident of Saiyyad Bada. Rajjan, a local youth who attempted to save him, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Police said the accused, identified as Nanakke Kashyap, lived near the liquor shop and worked as a helper on a loader vehicle. He was arrested soon after the incident.

According to investigators, Kashyap arrived at the shop in an intoxicated state and demanded liquor before business hours. When Ajay refused to serve him, an argument broke out. During the altercation, the accused allegedly attacked Ajay with an iron rod, repeatedly striking him on the head. Ajay collapsed after suffering severe injuries and died on the spot before medical help could arrive.

CCTV footage shows the accused repeatedly assaulting the salesman before fleeing while brandishing the rod. The video also captured panic among residents as the attack unfolded in broad daylight.

Deputy commissioner of police Gopal Krishna Choudhary said the accused became violent after being denied liquor and was taken into custody. Police and forensic teams later examined the scene and collected evidence, while additional personnel were deployed to maintain order.

The killing also sparked allegations from villagers of illegal late-night liquor sales in the area. Locals said Ajay worked at the shop for nearly two years. He is survived by his mother, wife, three children and younger brother.

Deputy commissioner of police Gopal Krishna Choudhary said the accused became violent after being denied liquor and was taken into custody. Police and forensic teams later examined the scene and collected evidence, while additional personnel were deployed to maintain order.

The killing has also sparked allegations from villagers of illegal late-night liquor sales in the area. Locals said Ajay had worked at the shop for nearly two years. He is survived by his mother, wife, three children and younger brother.