Two Injured in firing over panchayat poll rivarly in Gonda village

A local journalist and his relative were injured in a firing incident allegedly linked to poll rivalry in the Umri Begumganj area of Gonda district on Wednesday morning, police said.

The injured were identified as Vipin Singh and his relative Amit Singh. Both were admitted to Gonda Medical College for treatment. Police said Vipin suffered a bullet injury in his thigh, while Amit sustained an injury to his thumb.

Officials and local residents suspect the violence was connected to political tensions ahead of the upcoming village pradhan elections. Vipin Singh was reportedly preparing to contest the election and had an ongoing dispute with incumbent village head Ashok Singh.

According to police, the confrontation began late Tuesday night during a wedding ceremony at the residence of Bel Bahadur Lodhi in the village. An argument allegedly broke out between Vipin Singh and Ashok Singh during the event. After the altercation, both sides returned to their homes.

Police said tensions flared again on Wednesday morning when Vipin was sitting in the verandah of his house. In the complaint filed by the injured side, Ashok Singh allegedly arrived there, abused the brothers and opened fire, injuring both men.

Following the incident, senior police officials reached the village with heavy police deployment to prevent further escalation.

Investigators recovered spent bullet cartridges and other evidence from the scene. Police also seized a vehicle allegedly belonging to Ashok Singh.

Officials said Ashok Singh was also injured in the clash and is undergoing treatment at Community Health Centre Belsar. Both sides have submitted written complaints accusing each other of firing and violence.

ASP Radheshyam Rai said gunfire was confirmed and bullet fragments were recovered from the spot. He said the accused person was also injured and that police were examining the case from all angles.

ASP Radheshyam Rai said gunfire had been confirmed and bullet fragments recovered from the spot. He said the accused person was also injured and that police were examining the case from all angles.