Former village head and Smriti Irani's close aide shot dead in Amethi, suspects detained

A former village head and close aide of Union Minister Smriti Irani was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Saturday, news agency PTI reported. Suspects in connection with the murder have been detained. 

The police are looking into all aspects of the killing, including political rivalry. "Since he had been a village chief, it seems to be a fallout of an old rivalry. We are not ruling out a political rivalry and are looking into all aspects of the case," the police said.

Uttar Pradesh DGP, OP Singh said that an intensive investigation is underway. 

"We've found vital clues. 7 people detained for questioning. We're confident of solving the case in the next 12 hours. 3 companies of PAC are deputed," Singh stated.

Surendra Singh, 50, was the former head of Baraulia village in Uttar Pradesh. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Daya Ram, Singh was shot dead yesterday at his residence.

Singh was rushed to a hospital in state capital Lucknow in a serious condition where he succumbed to his injuries during the treatment, the police said. 

Meanwhile, Amethi MP and BJP leader Smriti Irani has left for Barauli to meet with the bereaved family. 

As per reports, Singh was involved in the shoe-distribution process carried out by Irani in Amethi while campaigning for Lok Sabha polls. 

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Smriti Irani scripted history by defeating Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by a margin of over 50,000 votes and clinching party stronghold Amethi.