Lucknow: In a sensational turn of events, some unidentified assailants shot dead one of the prime witnesses in Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) case against jailed independent legislator Raghuraj Pratap Singh in Kunda on February 3.

The incident took place at 10.15 am (IST), when two motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire and killed Rajendra Yadav, 'pradhan' (leader) of village Baand Mau, additional director general (ADG) law and order Vikram Singh said.

Yadav was one of the main witnesses who had lodged complaints against Raghuraj Pratap Singh and his jailed father Udai Pratap Singh, Singh said.

Yadav was coming to Kund when two youth, in their 20s, opened fire at him. He died before he could be taken to hospital, he said.

Both Raja Bhaiya and his father Udai Pratap Singh have been booked under POTA and the case was built on the statements by Yadav, the police official said adding Yadav was one of the key witnesses during the search operation carried out in the Bethi palace of Raja Bhaiya.

The police official, however, said the killing "would not affect the case as police had already recorded Yadav's statement" under Section 164 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

PTI