Smriti Irani Aide Murder: Main Accused Held After Encounter

The former Baraulia village head, Surendra Singh, known to be close to Smriti Irani, was shot dead in UP’s Amethi.

BJP MP Smriti Irani shoulders to the mortal remains of former village head (pradhan) Surendra Singh, during his funeral.

(Photo: PTI)

Days after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Smriti Irani's close aide was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh, the state police on Friday, 31 May, said the main accused was arrested after an encounter.

The police told PTI that the accused, Wasim, was held in Shalhapur area under the Jamo police station on Thursday.

The former Baraulia village head, Surendra Singh, known to be close to Irani, was shot dead in Amethi district on the night of 25 May. Previously, the state police had arrested the four other accused, identified as Ramchandra, Dharmanath, Naseem and Golu.

"On the basis of all evidence, it is very clear that the five murder suspects and the victim had local-level political rivalry,” OP Singh had earlier said.

Ramchandra is said to be a member of the kshetra panchayat and also a local Congress leader, police told PTI on Friday.

Irani Vows Action Against Culprits

Following Singh's death, an anguished Irani told the media that she will knock on the Supreme Court's door to ensure that the culprits get the "strictest action."

“I have taken an oath before Surendra Singh ji’s family that we will ensure justice and the strictest action against the one who fired at him and the one who ordered it. We will knock at the door of the Supreme Court if the need arises.”

Smriti Irani