BJP Councillor shot dead in Datia:Accused vows revenge for uncle’s murder, executes deadly plan

“Something big will happen on March 31… this day won’t go empty.” This threat was repeatedly made by the main accused, Chhotu alias Pankaj Kushwaha, to BJP councillor Kallu Kushwaha. Locals said he often spoke about avenging his uncle’s murder and had even fixed the date. However, no one believed he would actually carry it out. The revelation was made by the victim’s brother, Sheru Kushwaha. Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people. The main accused, Chhotu and Sudhir, have surrendered, while others are still absconding. Councillor shot dead in broad daylight The incident took place around 8:30 am on Tuesday in Datia. Kallu Kushwaha, a councillor from Ward No. 1, was returning home after visiting a temple when two bike-borne assailants intercepted him near the Sewda Chungi intersection and opened fire. Eyewitnesses said the attackers fired two rounds—one bullet hit his head and the other his back. He collapsed on the spot and died instantly. Decade-old rivalry behind the murder The murder is linked to a long-standing political rivalry dating back to 2016. On the night of December 12, 2016, Balkishan Kushwaha—who had an electoral rivalry with Kallu—was found dead on the Gwalior-Jhansi highway. Initially suspected to be a road accident, investigations later revealed it was a murder carried out by deliberately running him over with a car. Following this, Kallu Kushwaha and five others were booked. On February 12, 2025, a Datia court sentenced all six accused to life imprisonment. Out on bail, followed a fixed routine Kallu later secured bail from the High Court and had been out of jail for the past four months. He regularly visited the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple every Tuesday. On the day of the incident, he had gone to the temple as usual and was returning after stopping to buy vegetables. Police said the accused had been tracking his movements for days and knew his routine. Attackers returned to fire from behind According to police, the accused initially passed by Kallu but later turned back and opened fire from behind. Chhotu, along with accomplices Sudhir, Golu, Umesh Kushwaha, and Praveen Valmiki, had arrived on two bikes. After the attack, Chhotu and one accomplice surrendered. Another accused, Sahab Singh Yadav, has been named as a conspirator. Previous attack and Cycle of violence This was not the first attack linked to the feud. On August 23, 2017, Kallu was targeted in a firing incident while returning from court in connection with Balkishan’s murder case. Although Kallu survived, his associate Mukesh Kushwaha was killed. The accused were arrested but later acquitted by the court. After being released, Balkishan’s brother Bhawar Singh reportedly died by suicide. Political rivalry at the root The conflict between the two families stemmed from local elections. Balkishan was elected councillor on a Congress ticket in 2005 and later switched to BJP, winning again in 2010. In 2015, due to seat reservation, his brother Bhawar Singh’s wife became councillor. In 2022, with Bhawar in jail, Kallu Kushwaha was elected unopposed on a BJP ticket. The rivalry intensified due to dominance within the same community. Criminal background of key accused Police officials stated that Kallu Kushwaha had over 15 criminal cases against him, including charges of liquor smuggling, murder, attempt to murder, and violations under the Arms Act. Chhotu’s family also has a criminal background. His elder brother, Bunty Kushwaha, was the main accused in the June 9, 2024 murder of Medical Association president Ghanshyam Agrawal in Indergarh. During his arrest from Ratangarh forests, Bunty allegedly fired 12–15 rounds at police before being shot in the leg and captured. Investigation ongoing Police are continuing the search for the remaining accused and are probing all angles, including conspiracy and prior threats, in what appears to be a premeditated revenge killing.