Uttar Pradesh: Main accused in Ballia firing arrested

With this, police have so far arrested seven people in the case

Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday nabbed the BJP worker, who had allegedly shot dead his rival in the presence of senior officials during a meeting in Ballia district, from the state capital.

According to the police sources, the special task force (STF) apprehended Dhirendra Singh, a close aide of BJP's Ballia MLA Surendra Singh, from Polytechnic Crossing in the city.

Police said that the National Security Act (NSA) would be slapped on Singh, who carried a reward of Rs 50 thousand, besides Gangster's Act.

Also read: Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA defends accused in Ballia firing incident

Singh had pumped four bullets into his rival Jai Prakash Pal after an altercation during the meeting convened by the officials to discuss allotment of fair price shops at Durjanpur village in the district on Thursday.

As the killing sparked tension in the area, the government suspended five officials, including a sub-divisional magistrate, circle officer, and three others on charges of laxity.

BJP lawmaker Surendra Singh, who had virtually justified the killing and claimed that it was in 'self-defense', has been summoned by the state BJP leadership to explain his support.

The MLA had also said that he would ''stand with'' the accused as both of them hailed from the same caste.

The lawmaker's remarks triggered widespread condemnation from different quarters putting the saffron party on the back foot on the issue.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded action against the MLA and slammed the BJP for its failure to expel the lawmaker.