Azamgarh Murder Conspiracy Unravelled: Contract Killer Allegedly Paid ₹50,000 Advance to Eliminate Bhanu Pratap
Prayagraj: New details have emerged in the sensational Azamgarh murder case, revealing that the killing of Bhanu Pratap was allegedly carried out on a contract basis.
According to investigators, the accused, identified as banker Sushil Yadav, is believed to have paid an advance amount of ₹50,000 to a hired shooter before the murder and later promised an additional payment of ₹3 lakh once the crime was executed.
Police officials said that during interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to his involvement and provided information that helped investigators piece together the sequence of events.
Based on these disclosures, law enforcement agencies have been able to trace the planning and financial arrangements that reportedly led to the murder.
The Special Task Force (STF) revealed that after Bhanu Pratap was killed, Sushil allegedly contacted the contract killer and informed him that the remaining payment would soon be arranged.
Investigators believe the murder was not a spontaneous act but the result of a carefully planned conspiracy involving multiple individuals.
According to STF sources, Sushil, a resident of Piprauli village in Azamgarh district, allegedly established contact with a criminal associate connected to the victim’s family.
Through this network, he reportedly reached contract killer Pankaj Yadav, also known as Pitaraj Yadav, who was ultimately assigned the task of carrying out the murder.
The investigation has uncovered a complex trail of financial transactions and personal connections. Officials said that Sushil had earlier worked at a bank branch in Ayodhya district and later returned to Azamgarh.
During this period, he allegedly maintained contact with individuals involved in criminal activities and gradually developed the plot that eventually resulted in Bhanu Pratap’s death.
Police records indicate that Bhanu Pratap had a long criminal history. By the age of 40, he had reportedly accumulated 41 criminal cases registered against him across various police stations in Uttar Pradesh.
These cases included allegations of murder, attempted murder, robbery, extortion, and offences under the Gangsters Act.
Despite his criminal background, investigators stress that the focus remains on uncovering the motive behind the murder and identifying everyone involved in the conspiracy.
Officials said that after the killing, the accused attempted to conceal evidence and avoid suspicion. Investigators are examining phone records, banking transactions, and communications between the suspects to determine how the murder was planned and financed.
Authorities believe these findings could provide crucial clues about the larger network allegedly involved in the crime.
The STF has also launched a search for other suspects connected to the case. Raids are being conducted at multiple locations, and several individuals are being questioned.
Police sources said that additional arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.
Law enforcement agencies have assured that the probe is being conducted thoroughly and that all individuals found responsible will face legal action.
The case has drawn significant public attention in eastern Uttar Pradesh, with many closely following developments as investigators continue to uncover the details behind the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
Meanwhile, senior police officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a transparent investigation and bringing every person involved in the conspiracy before the law.
As the inquiry moves forward, authorities are working to establish the full extent of the criminal network and the circumstances that led to Bhanu Pratap’s killing.
