GHAZIPUR/LUCKNOW: A key accused in the high-profile murder of a hotelier’s son was killed in a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district on Wednesday night, while the officer heading the district’s Special Operations Group (SOG) sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire.
The deceased, identified as Kamlesh Chaudhary Bind, carried a reward of ₹1 lakh on his arrest and was wanted in connection with the May 29 murder of Vineet Rai, the son of prominent hotel businessman Alok Rai.
Police said an illegal .32-bore pistol, live cartridges and a motorcycle were recovered from his possession.
Encounter Near Kurtha Village
According to police, the encounter took place near Kurtha village under the Sadar Kotwali police station area. Security personnel attempted to intercept Kamlesh during a search operation, but he allegedly opened fire on the police team.
Officers retaliated in self-defence, critically injuring the accused. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
During the operation, SOG in-charge Rohit Mishra suffered a bullet injury and is currently undergoing treatment.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the details of the encounter and the officer’s injury.
Mastermind Still Absconding
Additional Director General of Police Piyush Mordia had earlier announced rewards of ₹1 lakh each for the arrest of Kamlesh and co-accused Shankar Pandey.
While Kamlesh has been neutralised, police said Shankar Pandey, believed to be the mastermind behind the murder, remains absconding.
Authorities have intensified efforts to trace and arrest the remaining accused.
Criminal History
Police records show that Kamlesh was involved in at least seven criminal cases, including charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, criminal intimidation and violations of the Arms Act.
Most of these cases were registered at Kotwali police station in Ghazipur between 2017 and 2026.
Murder Planned Through WhatsApp Group
The encounter comes less than a week after Vineet Rai was gunned down outside his family’s Hotel Bindu in Ghazipur city.
According to investigators, four masked assailants arrived on two motorcycles and posed as customers interested in purchasing beer. While hotel employees were occupied, the attackers allegedly waited for Vineet to emerge from the premises.
Police said that at around 11 pm, as Vineet walked toward his vehicle, two of the assailants pulled out pistols and opened fire. He was initially struck in the arm and waist while attempting to escape before being shot twice in the chest. He later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Investigators claim the murder was planned through a WhatsApp group called “Katra Gang,” where the accused allegedly discussed details of the attack, including the weapons to be used and the number of rounds to be fired.
Kamlesh was one of four named accused in the case. Besides Shankar Pandey, the other suspects—Sonu Yadav and Monu Tripathi—remain on the run.
Young Businessman Leaves Behind Family
Vineet Rai, who held postgraduate qualifications and was actively involved in managing the family’s hotel business, had been married for just over a year.
He is survived by his wife and their two-month-old daughter.
Police said further legal proceedings are underway and search operations continue to apprehend the remaining accused in the case.
