Daijiworld Media Network – Azamgarh

Azamgarh, Nov 3: In a shocking turn of events, the father of a minor gangrape survivor was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district, allegedly by contract killers hired by the family of the accused. The murder took place barely a month after the girl was allegedly gangraped by four men.

Police said a 62-year-old man, the father of two gangrape accused, and the wife of one of them have been arrested for their involvement in the murder plot. Officials revealed that the accused had hired shooters to prevent the victim’s father from pursuing the rape case in court.

According to reports, the gangrape took place in September, when four men — including two brothers and their cousin — allegedly assaulted and filmed the minor girl. All four accused were later arrested and are currently lodged in jail. The victim and the accused are said to be distant relatives.

On October 27, the victim’s father was shot dead while riding his motorcycle. Two unidentified men, with scarves covering their faces, intercepted him and shot him at close range before fleeing. He was taken to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police investigations revealed that the murder was planned after the arrested suspects visited the district jail to meet the accused. During these meetings, they allegedly conspired to eliminate the victim’s father, whom they believed was responsible for “implicating” their family members in the rape case.

Police have booked five people, all relatives of the gangrape accused, in connection with the murder. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the hired shooters. Officials declined to share further details, citing that the investigation is ongoing and sensitive.