Prayagraj Murder Sparks Police Shake-Up: SHO Suspended, ₹25,000 Reward for Accused in Roadways Employee Killing

Prayagraj: The police administration in Prayagraj has taken a stern stance following the murder of contractual UPSRTC employee Ravendra Kumar near a petrol pump at Mundera Chungi under the Dhoomanganj police station limits.

The case, which triggered public outrage and violent protests, has now led to administrative action and an intensified manhunt for the accused.

SHO Suspended for Negligence

A day after the TP Nagar police outpost in-charge was suspended, Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar on Thursday suspended Dhoomanganj Station House Officer (SHO) Amar Nath Rai for alleged negligence in handling the case.

The Commissioner also announced a cash reward of ₹25,000 each for information leading to the arrest of the absconding accused.

The Commissioner further directed that anyone found sheltering or aiding the accused would face murder charges under the same FIR. The order signals a zero-tolerance approach toward negligence and complicity in serious crimes.

The Incident

According to police, Ravendra Kumar, a resident of Neem Sarai, was returning home on Monday night when he was attacked with bricks and stones by a group of men near the petrol pump at Mundera Chungi. The attackers inflicted fatal injuries, leaving him dead on the spot.

Soon after the incident, locals gathered in large numbers, blocking traffic and engaging in violent protests and vandalism, demanding swift arrests. The unrest disrupted traffic for hours and required heavy police deployment to restore order.

Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s brother, Rajan Kumar, an FIR was registered against seven named and four unidentified individuals, all residents of Mariyadih village.

Despite multiple police raids at suspected hideouts, no arrests have been made so far, prompting the department’s disciplinary measures.

Crackdown and Investigation

Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar convened a high-level meeting with Additional Commissioner of Police, DCP (City), and the officers of seven special teams formed to track down the accused.

He directed the teams to arrest all suspects immediately and submit progress reports daily.

Officials said raids are being carried out in Mariyadih, Dhoomanganj, and nearby rural areas, while technical surveillance and informant networks are being used to locate the fugitives.

“The accused will be arrested soon. Anyone offering them shelter will also be prosecuted for murder,” said CP Jogendra Kumar, adding that departmental accountability will continue against officers found negligent.

Police Reshuffle in Wake of Rising Crime

In a related move aimed at strengthening law enforcement and curbing rising criminal activity in the city, the Police Commissioner reshuffled eight police station heads, including six Inspectors and two Sub-Inspectors.

Under the new orders:

• Inspector Rajesh Upadhyay (formerly SHO Colonelganj) has been appointed SHO Dhoomanganj.
• Inspector Sanjay Kumar Singh has been transferred from Kidganj to Colonelganj.
• Inspector Shailendra Singh has been moved from Manda to Khuldabad.
• Inspector Anil Kumar Verma shifts from the Cyber Police Station to Manda.
• Inspector Virendra Kumar moves from UP-112 control to Kidganj.
• Sub-Inspector Atul Kumar Mishra has been transferred from Police Lines to Saraimamrej.
  Meanwhile, SHO Surendra Kumar Verma (Khuldabad) and SHO Sunil Kumar Mishra (Saraimamrej) have been sent to Police Lines.

Senior officials said the reshuffle was carried out to “improve efficiency, accountability, and law enforcement coordination” in response to a recent surge in violent crimes.

Public Reaction

The murder of Ravendra Kumar — described by colleagues as a quiet and hardworking Roadways employee — has left the community shocked. Locals have urged the police to restore public confidence through swift arrests and visible policing in the Mundera-Dhoomanganj belt, which has witnessed multiple violent incidents in recent months.

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