LUCKNOW: The Saadatganj police arrested Rajesh Kumar Shukla, the 60-year-old uncle of prime accused Rishabh Shukla, in connection with the October 26 triple murder in the Brahmani Tola locality of Naubasta.Rajesh, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000, was arrested near Hansnagar culvert on Para Road around 1.50 am on Saturday, police said. Rishabh’s sister Divya, also an accused in the case, remains absconding.“Rajesh, also known as Tunnu Babu, was among those named in the FIR registered after the triple murder. Six other accused were arrested on October 26 and 27, while Rajesh had been evading arrest,” said Dhananjay Kushwaha, ADCP, West Zone.The killings took place on Oct 26 following a dispute between two families over the construction of a platform around a banyan tree and the parking of vehicles on an adjoining vacant plot.The confrontation escalated into a violent clash in which three members of the Tiwari family were attacked with sticks, stones and firearms.The deceased were identified as Shivaji Tiwari, 62, his younger family member Shivendra Tiwari alias Shambhu, 57, and Shivaji’s grandson Suyash Tiwari, 30. All three sustained fatal injuries in the attack.According to the police, the dispute had been brewing over the construction of a raised platform around the banyan tree outside the accused family’s house and the parking of vehicles on a nearby vacant plot. The disagreement reportedly escalated into a confrontation, culminating in the attack on the Tiwari family.The incident had triggered outrage in the locality, with residents and the victims’ relatives demanding strict action against the accused and accountability from the police. The family had also raised concerns over the demolition of alleged illegal construction linked to the accused.Police said Rajesh, a resident of Brahmani Tola, has four criminal cases registered against him, including the triple-murder case. His previous cases include charges related to rioting, assault and criminal intimidation, besides offences under Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.With Rajesh’s arrest, police have taken seven accused into custody in the case. Efforts are underway to trace Divya and establish the role of other suspects as the investigation continues.
