In Uttar Pradesh, in an exchange of fire between villagers and police following murder of the village pradhan at Kunda, Pratapgarh, deputy superintendent of police Zia Ul Haq suffered gunshots and succumbed to the injuries late last night.

His gunner also sustained injuries and his condition was stated to be critical.

To add to the gruesome incident, body of the slain pradhan’s younger brother was later recovered from the village outskirts.

The battle between police and the villagers continued till late night and additional director general (ADG) Law & Order and Crime Arun Kumar said additional police and PAC re-enforcement was being rushed to the trouble hit area from Lucknow, Faizabad and Barabanki while senior officials including the ADG himself and inspector general of police (IG) Allahabad were also on their way to the scene of crime.