Lawyer Fatally Shot in Rampur District Panchayat Office Altercation
A shocking incident unfolded in Rampur on Wednesday when a 45-year-old lawyer was shot dead inside the district panchayat office in broad daylight. The tragic event occurred following an alleged altercation with a clerk, leading to immediate police intervention and the detention of the accused.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Shooting
According to preliminary reports, the incident began around 1:30 pm when the victim's wife, Gausiya, who works as a clerk at the district panchayat office, engaged in a heated exchange with the accused, Asgar Ali. Sources indicate that after the argument escalated, Gausiya called her husband, Mohd Farukh, to the office for support.
Farukh, a resident of the Nalapar area, reportedly went to Asgar Ali's cabin, where another verbal altercation quickly turned physical. During the ensuing scuffle, gunshots were fired, leaving Farukh with critical injuries. He was rushed to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Allegations and Police Investigation
Farukh's nephew, Kamran Khan, has alleged that Asgar Ali used his licensed revolver to shoot the lawyer and then fired at himself in an attempt to claim self-defense. This claim adds a layer of complexity to the investigation as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of events.
Rampur SP Vidyasagar Mishra provided an update on the case, stating, "The exact sequence of events is being verified, and forensic evidence is being examined. An FIR has been registered against Ali under BNS 103 (murder), and further investigation into the motive and circumstances is underway."
Background of the Victim and Community Impact
Mohd Farukh had been practicing law at the Rampur district court for nearly three decades, establishing himself as a respected legal professional in the community. His sudden and violent death has sent shockwaves through the local legal fraternity and residents.
Farukh is survived by his wife and two children—a son and a daughter—both of whom are students at a city school. The family is now grappling with the devastating loss while the community demands justice for the slain lawyer.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Community Response
The police have taken Asgar Ali into custody, though he remains hospitalized due to his gunshot injury. Authorities are meticulously examining forensic evidence and witness statements to reconstruct the events that led to this fatal confrontation.
This incident highlights concerns about workplace violence and security in government offices, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures. The legal community in Rampur has expressed deep sorrow over Farukh's death, remembering him as a dedicated advocate who served the district court with integrity for thirty years.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the motive behind the altercation and the circumstances that escalated to such a violent conclusion. The case continues to develop, with authorities committed to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.
