Tuesday, January 25 2005 22:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Allahabad: Controversial BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) MLA Raju Pal and two others, including his bodyguard, were killed by unidentified assailants in broad daylight in Dhumanganj area of the city today (Jan 25, 2005), Inspector General of Police A C Sharma said.

The incident took place at around 15:00 hrs (IST) when the Legislator from Allahabad West constituency was returning from his native village, he said.

Pal, who was on his way home, was held up in a traffic jam on G T Road when the attackers, numbering over 20, opened fire on his vehicle, IGP Sharma said.

As the driver moved ahead, the attackers followed and fired at him at two more places in the city, he said.

Two passer-by, including a woman, were injured in the shootout but were said to be out of danger in hospital. As tension gripped the town, many shops downed their shutters and police cordoned off the area.

Pal, who was elected from Allahabad (west) in a by-poll in October last year defeating Samajwadi Party strongman Atiq Ahmed's brother Ashraf, had also been fired upon in the same area last month.

The BSP Legislator was in his late 30s and had married recently after his election.

No arrests have been made so far, police said adding no FIR has so far been lodged.

IGP Sharma denied reports that BSP supporters had snatched away the body of Pal and taken it to his native village.