Dewas shooting: Special probe team quizzes villagers

A day after its formation, the special investigation team (SIT) on Saturday visited Raghogarh, the village of the farmer who was killed after being shot at by the son of Dewas MLA.

A day after its formation, the special investigation team (SIT) on Saturday visited Raghogarh, the village of the farmer who was killed after being shot at by the son of Dewas MLA.

The team, formed by Ujjain division inspector general of police K Madhukumar, is being led by an additional SP-level officer, including two deputy superintendents of police and three station in-charges.

Sources said the team quizzed some of the villagers and scanned the spot where the incident took place. The team also reviewed the evidences collected so far.

Last week, armed men, led by ruling BJP MLA Tukoji Rao Puar's son Vikram Singh Rao Puar, allegedly attacked a group of farmers, injuring at least four people in Raghogarh village over a land dispute.

The injured were identified as Pratap Lodhi, Ajay Lodhi, Ramesh Lodhi and Avantika Bai. Later, police lodged a cross-complaint against the farmers, who were targeted by the Vikram Puar and his associates.

However, Pratap succumbed to injuries at a private hospital in Indore. The SIT is also investigating the presence of two constables when Lodhi was attacked.

Villagers and community members had alleged that the incident took place in front of two police constables — Rajesh Gaharwar and Madan Yadav — who were present when Vikarm Singh Puar opened fire on the farmer’s family, who were harvesting the crop.

Police claimed that they were conducting raids to nab Vikarm Singh Puar but in vain.