'Will Move Court to Get Culprits Death Sentence': Smriti Irani After Aide's Killing in Amethi, Jabs Rahul

Amethi: BJP leader Smriti Irani reached Amethi on Sunday afternoon to meet the family of Surendra Singh, a former village head who was shot dead early on Sunday. Irani met the family members of the deceased and attended the cremation.

Singh was shot dead while he was sleeping outside his house. The assailants came on motorbikes and sprayed him with bullets.

Singh's son Abhay told reporters, "We could not see the perpetrators but it is clear that Congress workers are behind this. My father was actively campaigning for Smriti Irani and the BJP."

The brother of the deceased, Rajendra, also termed it a political killing. He said his brother wielded considerable influence in his village as well as in adjoining villages and this led to his murder.

The post-mortem of the deceased was carried out in Lucknow after which the body was brought to Amethi. A large number of BJP leaders were present outside the post-mortem house and in Amethi.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Mohsin Raza, who is in charge of Amethi, said the killers would be arrested within 24 hours.

Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh said seven suspects had been detained in connection with the murder and were being interrogated. He said the police had got crucial leads in the matter. Three companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) had been deployed in Barauliya village where the murder took place.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the DGP to ensure the arrest of the killers at the earliest.

Speaking to reporters after the cremation, Irani said, "I've taken an oath before Surendra Singh ji's family, the one who and the one who ordered it, even if I have to go the Supreme Court to get the culprits a death sentence, we will knock at the doors of the court."

Irani also asked party workers to exercise restraint, even as she attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his 'take-care-of-Amethi-with-love' remark.

Irani told reporters, "My request to all party workers is that we should exercise restraint."

Irani, who unseated Gandhi from his bastion when results were announced on May 23, said Singh was killed so that Amethi could be "terrorised, disintegrated and bowed down."

"On (May) 23, I was given a message that take care of Amethi with love. To the person, who gave me the message, I would like to say that I have received the message loud and clear," she said referring to Gandhi's remarks on the counting day.

Gandhi had said, "I would like that Smriti Iraniji takes care of Amethi with love and I hope that she will reward the trust that Amethi's people have reposed in her."

(With inputs from agencies)