Drive-by shooting claims BJP leader, two others in Gr Noida

GREATER NOIDA: A BJP leader and his security guard were shot dead by unknown bike-borne assailants in Bisrakh area of Greater Noida on Thursday, with the resulting commotion claiming a minor girl as well, police said.

Police said that the driver of the victim's car lost control and mowed down the girl.

The deceased leader was identified as Shiv Kumar Yadav, a resident of Bahlolpur village of Greater Noida and a former headman of Tigri village under Bisrakh area. At the time of his death, Yadav was BJP's zonal president from Ghaziabad's Krishna Nagar area.

"Anjali Tiwari, a 14-year-old girl, also died in the incident when the SUV rammed into her," said Ajay Kumar Sharma, SHO, Bisrakh police station.

The incident occurred in broad daylight around 2 pm, when Yadav – accompanied by his security guards Rahispal and Balinath – was travelling towards Ghaziabad in his SUV.

According to an eye witness, there were total four assailants, who were travelling on two bikes. As soon as they neared Yadav's SUV, they began firing bullets on the moving car for around half a kilometre.

Balinath died in the incident and Rahispal sustained bullet injuries and has been admitted to GTB hospital in Delhi.

"Prima facie investigation shows that it is a case of personal enmity. The actual motive will be clear only after investigations are complete. We are questioning family members of the deceased and eyewitnesses. Raids will be conducted at all suspected locations to nab the criminals," said Love Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Following the accident, hundreds of Yadav's supporters of the leader gathered at Fortis Hospital in Noida. Heavy police force was deployed at the hospital to control the situation.