UP STF arrest 3 in Allahabad advocate murder case

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) today claimed to have solved the murder case of an advocate, who was shot dead in Allahabad earlier this month.

Rajesh Srivastava was shot on May 10 when he was going to the Allahabad district court, where he used to practice. He was declared dead at a hospital.

"The advocate's killers were hired by Pradeep Jaiswal, the owner of Crown Plaza Hotel," Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Anand Kumar told reporters here.

"The STF has arrested shooter Vishal Vishwakarma from Pratapgarh, and two of his associates Raees and Shamshad. Vishal had shot Rajesh Srivastava, while Raees was riding the motorcycle, which was stolen," he said.

The UP STF also claimed that Jaiswal was constructing a hotel illegally over a drain, which was opposed by the advocate.

This angered Jaiswal, and he allegedly hatched a conspiracy to kill Rajesh, it said.

The police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and provisions of the Arms Act.

Close aides of Jaiswal, Ghanshyam Agrahari and Anjani Lal Srivastava, who had allegedly arranged the shooters, are at large.

The killing had sparked an outrage and lawyers blocked roads in protest.

The Allahabad High Court lawyers had called a strike to protest against the "worsening" law and order situation in the state.

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