Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh: A local journalist and RTI activist, Raghavendra Bajpai, was shot dead on the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur on Saturday afternoon. The 35-year-old worked as a correspondent for a Hindi daily and was reportedly targeted in a planned attack.

Details On The Murder

According to reports quoting police sources, the assailants first rammed into Bajpai’s bike before shooting him three times. Initially, the incident appeared to be an accident, but when doctors at the district hospital examined his body, they discovered bullet wounds, confirming it as a case of murder, reported India Today.

Bajpai had left home around noon after receiving a phone call. At approximately 3:15 pm, he was attacked on the highway and died on the spot. The police are investigating the motive behind the murder but have not yet filed an FIR, as they await a formal complaint from the victim’s family.

Case Filed, Police Assures Action

Sitapur Police ASP South stated in a video byte, "Based on the family's complaint regarding the murder in the Imalia Sultanpur police station area, a case has been registered under appropriate sections. Three police teams have been formed to track and arrest the accused."

While no suspects have been identified yet, police teams are working on gathering evidence and tracing the call records of the victim. The murder has sparked outrage among local journalists, with many demanding a thorough investigation and swift action against the perpetrators.