A shocking incident rocked Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, on July 5, 2025, when Santosh Maurya, the brother of BJP district vice-president Pradeep Maurya, was shot dead in broad daylight. The shooting happened in the Sahadullapur market, sparking fear and anger in the community. The accused, a neighbor, has been arrested, and police are digging into what led to this tragedy.
What Happened in Sahadullapur?
On Saturday morning, Santosh Maurya, 45, was at his grocery shop in Chandauli’s Sahadullapur market when a neighbor, Devendra alias Prakash Jaiswal, got into a heated argument with him. Jaiswal, reportedly drunk, pulled out a double-barrel gun and shot Santosh in the chest. Locals chased Jaiswal, beat him, and handed him over to the police. Santosh was rushed to the district hospital but was declared dead. The incident caused chaos, with crowds gathering at the hospital. Police have seized the gun and are investigating its license.
Why Did the Argument Turn Deadly?
The argument between Santosh and Jaiswal was sudden, fueled by Jaiswal’s intoxication, not a long-standing feud. Initial reports suggest Jaiswal was causing trouble near Santosh’s shop, leading to a confrontation. The situation escalated when Jaiswal grabbed his gun from home.
Immediate Police Response
Police arrested Jaiswal after locals caught him. Chandauli SP Aditya Langeh confirmed the weapon’s recovery and said security forces were deployed to maintain order. The investigation is ongoing to confirm the gun’s ownership.
The shooting sent shockwaves through Chandauli because Santosh was the brother of a prominent BJP leader, Pradeep Maurya. The brazen daylight attack in a busy market raised concerns about public safety. Posts on X show locals expressing anger and fear, with some blaming rising crime. BJP leaders, including MLA Kailash Kharwar, visited the hospital, demanding strict action. The incident has also sparked debates about gun control and alcohol-related violence in the area.
Community Reaction
Residents gathered at the hospital, shaken by the violence. Many expressed grief for Santosh’s family and called for justice.
What’s the Latest Update?
As of July 6, 2025, Jaiswal is in custody, but his condition is serious due to injuries from the mob’s beating. He was moved to Varanasi Trauma Center. Police are reviewing CCTV footage showing Jaiswal firing at Santosh. Security remains tight in Sahadullapur to prevent unrest. Santosh’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and his family is demanding swift justice. The investigation is now focused on Jaiswal’s motives and the gun’s legality.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are checking if Jaiswal had a valid gun license and why he was armed. CCTV evidence is being analyzed to piece together the events leading to the shooting.
What’s Next?
The incident has put Chandauli’s administration under pressure to ensure safety and prevent similar tragedies. Police are increasing patrols in busy markets and reviewing gun license regulations. Community leaders are calling for dialogue to address underlying issues like alcohol abuse. The BJP is pushing for quick justice, while opposition parties may use the incident to question law and order. Residents hope for calm as the investigation unfolds. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
