UP: Policeman kills a panwaala

Lucknow, Nov 6: A policeman allegedly shot dead a physically disabled shop owner for delay in giving him paan (betel) and demanding his old dues in the state capital. Police sources said that in the incident which occurred late last night, Rajiv Mishra, attached with the Talkotra police station criminal intelligence department, shot dead Kaushal Asthana(25) near Hardoi by-pass crossing.

Rajiv has been arrested and process was underway for his removal from the service. The sources said the accused was in civil dress and was said to be in an inebriated condition. Two friends of Rajiv, one advocate and a son of a Sub-Inspector were also present. The deceased, a native of adjoining Unnao district, used to run a betel shop.

According to the details, Kaushal sought some pending dues from the accused and even delayed in serving the paan which annoyed the policeman. First Rajiv bashed up Kaushal, who was physically disabled with both legs, and then fired from his service revolver, an eye-witness claimed.

UNI