Jaunpur groom murder accused Ravi Yadav shot dead in UP police encounter
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday, 25 May shot dead Ravi Yadav, the prime accused in the Jaunpur groom murder case, during a late-night encounter in the Gorari area under Khetasarai police station limits. Yadav, who carried a reward of ₹1 lakh on his arrest, allegedly opened fire on a police team conducting a combing operation before being fatally wounded in retaliatory fire, officials said.
How the Encounter Unfolded
According to police officials, two suspects on a motorcycle came face-to-face with the police team during the operation late at night. Realising they had been cornered, the accused allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at the personnel. Police retaliated in self-defence, and Ravi Yadav sustained bullet injuries in the exchange. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
During the gunfight, K.K. Singh, Station Incharge of Line Bazar police station, sustained a bullet injury to his hand. A second officer narrowly escaped after a bullet struck his bulletproof jacket, officials added. One of Yadav's accomplices managed to flee under the cover of darkness; police teams have since launched raids at multiple locations to trace the absconding accused.
The Jaunpur Groom Murder Case
The encounter is the latest development in a case that triggered widespread outrage across Jaunpur district. On 1 May, unidentified assailants allegedly shot dead groom Azad Bind inside his car on a highway in the Khetasarai area while he was travelling with his wedding procession towards the marriage venue. The brazen killing in the middle of a wedding party drew sharp public anger and put pressure on the administration to act swiftly.
Following the killing, police announced a reward of ₹1 lakh each for three accused persons linked to the case. Investigators believe Pradeep Bind, reportedly a relative of the bride who was allegedly opposed to the marriage, conspired with associates to execute the murder. Ravi Yadav was named as a key accused in that plot.
Family Reaction and Administration Response
The victim's mother, Chand Tara, expressed cautious relief after the encounter. 'There is some hope for justice now. We recently met the DGP, and after that, it feels like the administration is doing its work,' she said. Her statement reflects both the community's long wait for accountability and the pressure that had been building on law enforcement since the incident on 1 May.
What Happens Next
Two other accused in the Jaunpur groom murder case remain at large, with multiple police teams from different stations conducting continuous raids to locate and apprehend them. Further investigation into the case is ongoing. The encounter is also likely to face standard procedural review, as is customary in such cases under Uttar Pradesh Police protocols.