BJP leader Vijay Pandit's killing: 4 detained, family demands CBI probe

Alleging political vendetta, the family of BJP leader Vijay Pandit on Sunday demanded a CBI inquiry into his killing as police detained four persons in the case and prohibitory orders were clamped in Gautam Budh Nagar, where the murder had sparked violence last night.

The ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh came under attack over the killing of Pandit, who was cremated in Noida on Sunday on the outskirts of Delhi amid tight security, even as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav promised swift action in the case saying the culprits will not be spared.

Pandit was shot dead by four assailants on Saturday night, following which his supporters torched 16 vehicles near Dadri police station and pelted stones at a police team. Police had to resort to firing in the air to control the mob. The clashes between the two sides continued till late last night. BJP workers also blocked traffic on the national highway demanding arrest of the killers.

"Section 144 has been clamped... killers would be arrested soon," District Magistrate A V Rajamouli said. 

"We have detained four persons for questioning. Family had given names of some suspects. Manhunt has been launched to nab them," the police said, adding paramilitary personnel and Rapid Action Force have been deployed to maintain law and order.

ADG (Law and Order) Devendra Chauhan said that several teams have been constituted to nab the killers. Special Task Force has also been roped in to investigate the case.

Pandit's wife Geeta, who is Dadri Nagar Panchayat Chairman, alleged he was killed due to election rivalry at the behest of local SP leader Narinder Bhati, who denied the allegation. She claimed that they were receiving threats because they were campaigning for BJP MP Mahesh Sharma in the Lok Sabha election.

Pandit had led the election campaign for the BJP candidate in recent elections. His family also accused the police of inaction saying they had informed the cops about the threats to Pandit but they paid no heed. "We will ask for a CBI probe. The administration is at fault," Pandit's brother Lokesh said.

After the post mortem, Pandit's body was taken to his house. Locals and BJP workers joined the procession to the cremation ground escorted by a large contingent of Provincial Armed Constabulary and local police force. The last rites of the BJP leader were held at Dadri cremation ground.