Allahabad SSP transferred

The Uttar Pradesh government today removed Allahabad SSP Akash Kulhari, a day after a 42-year-old lawyer was shot dead at point blank range in the city.

Kulhari was removed and attached to the DGP office in Lucknow. SP (Railway) Agra Nitin Tewari was posted in his place, an official spokesman said.

Advocate Rajesh Srivastava was on his way to the Allahabad district court, where he practised, when he was shot in the head in broad daylight yesterday. He was declared dead at a nearby hospital, police said.

The killing had sparked outrage and lawyers blocked roads in protest. A public bus was also set afire. The Allahabad High Court lawyers called a strike to protest against the "worsening" law and order situation in the state.

The state government announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the deceased's family.

UP police chief OP Singh, who was in Allahabad to inspect preparations for the Kumbh, said they were investigating the case and arrests would be made soon.

"The motive is being probed. As of now, its appears to be over a land dispute," he said.