Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, August 7, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, two men accused of murdering journalist Raghvendra Bajpai were killed in a late-night encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and local police in Sitapur’s Pisawan area. The suspects, identified as Raju alias Rizwan and Sanjay alias Aqeel, were wanted in connection with the brutal killing of the 36-year-old reporter on March 8, 2025. Both carried a bounty of ₹1 lakh each for their capture.
Raghvendra Bajpai, a journalist with a Hindi daily newspaper, was shot dead in broad daylight on the Sitapur-Delhi National Highway. Reports suggest he received a phone call around 2:30 PM that day, luring him to the spot where bike-borne attackers fired multiple shots at close range. His death sparked outrage, with many pointing to his investigative reporting on local issues, including land disputes and irregularities in rice paddy sales, as a possible motive. The police later uncovered that a temple priest, Shivanand Baba, allegedly orchestrated the murder after Bajpai threatened to expose his illicit activities. Three others, including the priest, were arrested in April, but the shooters remained at large until now.
According to Sitapur Superintendent of Police Ankur Agrawal, the encounter unfolded in the early hours of Thursday near Dullapur Tiraha. Acting on a tip-off, the STF and police set up a checkpoint. When the suspects were spotted, they reportedly opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate. Both men were injured and rushed to a nearby community health center, where they were declared dead. Weapons were recovered from the scene, and an investigation into the encounter is ongoing.
The news has stirred mixed reactions. Many in Sitapur see it as justice for Bajpai, whose family refused to perform his last rites until the killers were caught. Others, including local journalist groups, are calling for a deeper probe to ensure all involved are held accountable. The Indian Journalists Union condemned the murder earlier, demanding strict action and better protection for reporters.
This encounter marks a significant breakthrough in a case that shook Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the dangers journalists face. The police are now investigating whether others were involved in the conspiracy. Meanwhile, Bajpai’s family and supporters hope this brings closure, though questions about press safety remain.
