Banda murder: MP denies link with accused

The murder of Additional Executive Officer of Zila Panchayat in his rented accommodation at Banda on Wednesday has brought to light the involvement of contractors engaged by district panchayat to collect toll in extortion.

The murder of Additional Executive Officer of Zila Panchayat in his rented accommodation at Banda on Wednesday has brought to light the involvement of contractors engaged by district panchayat to collect toll in extortion.

The main accused in the case,Jairam Singh,used to claim in the area that he was a representative of BSP MP from Hamirpur,Vijay Bahadur Singh. His wife is a BSP Zila Panchayat member in Banda. The MP,however,has categorically denied having any links with the accused. He said he had not appointed anybody as his representative. Two persons have been named in the FIR. No arrests have been made.

An official close to the investigations said the Zila Panchayat charges toll from trucks carrying mineral,sand and other materials at its borders. This toll is collected through contractors.

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They are supposed to use official receipt books issued by the Zila Panchayat. But some contractors use their own receipts printed and pocket the money, said the official.

The official said the AEO,Anand Singh Chauhan (58),had collected some illegal receipts at the toll gates installed in Tindwari area,which falls in Hamirpur constituency,and tried to curb the racket. Jairam and his associates reportedly tried to press upon him to ease the pressure. Chauhan refused to buckle down,and was shot dead,said the official.

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