Four killed in Uttar Pradesh

Four people, including two of a family, were killed in Uttar Pradesh Saturday when unidentified assailants opened fire on youths outside a liquor vend, police said.

The incident took place in Mainpuri district's Manauna village, officials said, adding that old rivalry over land or political animosity could have triggered the killings.

Senior police officials, including Agra deputy inspector general and senior superintendent of police, rushed to the spot.

Police said Neeraj Yadav and his friend Noty were sitting outside a liquor vend in the morning when three bike-borne assailants opened fire at them. They along with the liquor vend owner were killed on the spot.

Before fleeing the crime scene, the assailants also shot dead Neeraj Yadav's brother Sonu.

Initially, police found it difficult to enter the village as angry villagers blocked their way.

Police took possession of the bodies after reinforcements were sent. Later, the bodies were sent for autopsy.

Mainpuri, till recently the parliamentary seat of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, is a stronghold of the party.