Jalaun Bar Association Chief Murder Case: Four Arrested, Contractor Accused of Orchestrating Killing

JALAUN: A longstanding property dispute has emerged as the alleged motive behind the killing of Jalaun Bar Association president Gayadeen Ahirwar, with police arresting four men, including the Kanpur-based contractor accused of arranging the murder.

Investigators believe the lawyer was targeted through a planned conspiracy involving hired assailants.

According to police, the dispute dates back to 2015, when Ahirwar and private contractor Indrajeet Singh Yadav became embroiled in a legal battle over a parcel of land in the Kadaura area of Jalaun.

Investigators suspect that the prolonged conflict eventually culminated in the lawyer’s murder.

Police have identified Monu Yadav, 24, as the alleged contract killer who was assigned to execute the plan.

He is currently absconding, while three other men suspected of participating in the crime have been arrested. Indrajeet, whom investigators accuse of financing or commissioning the killing, was taken into custody on Monday.

The case came to light after Ahirwar’s son, Harsh, approached the police on Saturday, reporting that unidentified men had taken his father away in a car. According to his account, the lawyer had visited the district court earlier that day to represent a client.

At approximately 3.30 pm, Ahirwar asked his son to drop him at a nearby crossing, explaining that someone associated with a legal matter was waiting for him. Harsh took him there on a scooter and saw three men seated in a car.

One of the occupants reportedly got out, greeted Ahirwar by touching his feet and persuaded him to accompany them, claiming that they wanted to discuss a legal issue over tea.

Ahirwar subsequently left in their vehicle.

When he failed to return by evening, his family attempted to contact him repeatedly. His mobile phone remained switched off, prompting Harsh to report the disappearance to the police. A kidnapping case was subsequently registered.

Investigators began examining mobile phone records and other available leads, which reportedly pointed towards Sarvesh Shukla, alias Sabbu, 27.

He was arrested on Sunday. During interrogation, police said Sarvesh disclosed details of the alleged conspiracy and identified the roles played by other suspects.

His interrogation led investigators to Ashish Vishwakarma, 27, and Keshav Katiyar, 26, who were also arrested.

Based on information allegedly provided by the suspects, police located Ahirwar’s body inside a drain in Kanpur, approximately 70 kilometres from Jalaun.

The body bore serious injuries to the head, suggesting that the victim had been repeatedly struck. Investigators suspect that the blows proved fatal.

A bloodstained truck jack was also recovered from the location and is being examined as a possible weapon used in the crime.

Circle Officer Rajesh Kamal said the recovery of the body and the vehicle allegedly used in the killing was made possible through information obtained from the arrested suspects.

The investigation also witnessed a dramatic development during an alleged attempt to recover the vehicle.

Police said the arrested men were taken to a forested area near Kalpi on Sunday, where they were supposed to identify the car used in the crime.

According to the police account, the suspects attempted to escape and opened fire using firearms they had concealed in the area.

The police retaliated, injuring Sarvesh and Ashish in their legs. Both were taken to hospital, where doctors described their condition as stable. No police personnel sustained injuries.

Investigators subsequently arrested Indrajeet on Monday. Police said examination of his mobile phone yielded digital material, including WhatsApp conversations allegedly exchanged before and after the murder.

These records are being examined to establish the suspected planning, communication and execution of the crime.

Police are also gathering the criminal histories of the arrested men as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, teams have been conducting searches at various locations to locate Monu Yadav, the alleged contract killer who remains at large.

The investigation is now focused on establishing the precise sequence of events, determining the individual roles of those involved, and examining the digital and forensic evidence to strengthen the case.