Local journalist shot dead on Lucknow-Delhi highway in UP

A shocking incident unfolded on Saturday on the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur, where journalist and RTI activist Raghavendra Bajpai was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack. The 35-year-old, who worked as a local correspondent, was reportedly attacked after leaving his home in the afternoon following a phone call.

Initial reports suggested that Bajpai was involved in a road accident. However, the case took a sinister turn when doctors at the district hospital found three bullet wounds on his body, confirming that he had been shot. Eyewitnesses and preliminary findings indicate that the attackers first rammed into his bike before opening fire.

The exact motive behind the murder remains unclear. Currently, no FIR has been registered, with authorities waiting for a formal complaint from Bajpai’s family before proceeding with legal action. The police have assured a thorough probe into the incident and are actively working to gather evidence.

Sitapur police have formed four special teams, including officers from Maholi, Imaliya, and Kotwali police stations, along with surveillance and Special Operations Group (SOG) teams, to track down those responsible for the killing. The teams review CCTV footage, mobile call records, and local intelligence inputs to identify the assailants.

Bajpai’s murder has sent shockwaves through the journalist community, raising concerns over the safety of reporters and activists working at the grassroots level. Many have called for swift justice and a transparent investigation into the crime.