A shocking murder unfolded in Madhya Pradesh’s (MP’s) Rewa on the intervening night of Sunday-Monday, where a police constable was allegedly shot dead by his close friend during a late-night gathering, the police said. The incident has sent a wave of panic and tension in the area, while the cops have launched a manhunt to trace and apprehend the accused, who remains at large.

As per reports, the incident took place in Gadariya Mohalla. The man who was shot dead has been identified as Rakesh Kumar Patel, a police constable posted at Ramnagar police station in MP’s Maihar district.

Patel went to attend a party

Police officials in the know of the case said that Patel had gone to his native village in Rewa after his child fell ill. On Sunday evening, he left home to attend a party hosted by his friend, identified as Rakesh Tiwari. Tiwari, as per police, lives in Gadariya Mohalla.

An initial probe conducted by the police suggests that the accused and the victim were close friends. However, during the gathering, an altercation allegedly escalated, leading to the shooting.

Exact motive behind murder yet to be established

The police said the incident took place at around 1 am on the intervening night of Sunday-Monday, when the accused allegedly placed a firearm near Patel’s temple and shot him dead. However, the circumstances and the motive behind the incident have not been established yet. After the shooting, Patel was rushed to the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Later, Patel’s wife also levelled allegations against the hospital staff of negligence during treatment.

Police said Patel is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Search operation launched

Upon receipt of the information, officials from the Saman police station and other senior police officials reached the scene and began a probe. They have registered a case on the basis of a complaint filed by Patel’s wife. Officials said the actual reason behind the murder would be established only after the accused is arrested and interrogated.

Sources said Patel’s body has been sent for autopsy, while efforts are underway to locate the absconding accused.