Police said the politician and two of his supporters are absconding. One of the aides has been arrested.

Sanjeev Shakya, along with his armed accomplices, Wednesday thrashed irrigation department employee Maan Singh after he objected to their illegal mining of sand near the Budhadana canal in Acchalda area.

Maan Singh, who even received a bullet injury in the attack, is being treated at a hospital.

"Acting on a tip-off, Maan Singh went to inspect the canal and found some men involved in illegal mining of sand. After he objected, the men called up the BSP leader who came with his armed supporters," police inspector Pravesh Rana told reporters in Auraiya, 150 km from here.

"Later, all of them started beating Maan Singh with rifle butts," he added.

"We have learnt that the BSP leader was earlier the party's district unit president," Rana said.

A case of attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt and intent to provoke breach of peace has been registered against the politician and his three supporters, he added.