Man shot dead over property dispute, Four booked including village head’s husband

By Sagaya Fernando | 5 July 2025

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A 38-year-old man was shot dead outside his home in the Mauaima area of Prayagraj late Wednesday 3 July 2025 night, allegedly over a long-standing property dispute. Police have registered a case against four individuals, including the husband of the village head, and have taken two suspects into custody for questioning.

The victim, Vijay Bahadur alias Malkhan Patel, a resident of Chak Afzal alias Pure Leela Majra Rajetara village, was sleeping outside his house when he was attacked around 1 am His wife, Suman Devi, who was inside the house at the time, rushed out after hearing the gunshot and saw two men fleeing the scene.

According to her statement, she recognized the assailants as Rambabu Patel, husband of the village pradhan Neelam Patel, and Rakesh Patel, a local resident. Villagers gathered at the spot following the gunshot, and police from Mauaima station along with ACP Phulpur Pankaj Lavania arrived soon after.

Based on Suman Devi’s complaint, police registered a case of murder against Rambabu Patel, Rakesh Patel, and two others — Salik Ram and Prashant Patel. Rakesh and another unnamed individual have been detained for interrogation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Trans-Yamuna), Kuldeep Singh Gunawat, confirmed the filing of an FIR against the four accused. He added that initial investigations suggest the murder stemmed from an ongoing land dispute.

The victim’s family stated that a legal case was pending at the Chakbandi (land consolidation) office involving one of the accused, Rakesh Patel. They alleged that Rambabu Patel had supported Rakesh in the dispute, which eventually escalated to the fatal attack on Vijay Bahadur.

Further investigation is underway