Mirzapur, April 11 (NationPress) A 45-year-old lawyer was murdered in broad daylight in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur on Saturday, with the attackers momentarily struggling to escape after their motorcycle malfunctioned, according to police reports.

The incident sparked panic among local residents and even among the assailants, who were seen frantically trying to start their bike, eventually managing to flee.

The victim, identified as senior advocate Rajiv Singh, was on a morning stroll when he was approached by two men on a motorcycle. CCTV footage captured one of the attackers dismounting and firing a crude pistol at Singh, resulting in his immediate death.

After the shooting, the assailant hurried back to the motorcycle, where his accomplice struggled to start the vehicle by kicking its pedal but initially failed. A few locals cautiously approached the scene but quickly retreated when the armed attacker aimed his weapon at them.

After several attempts, the motorcycle finally roared to life, allowing the assailants to escape. The incident attracted a large crowd, with hundreds gathering at the location.

According to the police, Singh had previously filed an application expressing concerns about a potential threat to his life. The former village head, who also practiced law, had reportedly been targeted in two prior attacks.

Superintendent of Police Aparna Rajat Kaushik informed reporters, "This morning, we received information at the Kotwali police station in the Katra jurisdiction regarding an individual named Rajiv Singh, alias Rinku Singh. Reports indicated that he had sustained a gunshot injury; he succumbed while being transported to the hospital."

"Upon receiving this information, our teams swiftly proceeded to the scene. Upon arrival, we collected physical evidence and initiated efforts to identify the perpetrator. Our team has gathered credible leads and is actively pursuing the investigation," she stated.

She further added that a case has been registered against the accused under relevant legal sections based on a written complaint from the victim's family. "Through this complaint, we have been able to identify the accused. Technical surveillance has confirmed the identity of the individual, who also hails from the same village as the deceased," Kaushik reported.

"Moreover, preliminary findings suggest that the conflict may have originated from village-related issues. However, we are exploring all avenues and conducting a thorough investigation. We are committed to ensuring that the strictest legal action is taken against the perpetrator," she concluded.

Officials indicated that efforts are ongoing to gather all pertinent evidence, and a specialized police team has been assembled to track down and apprehend the accused named in the complaint.