A wedding procession in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a tragedy after the groom, Azad Bind, was shot dead by unidentified attackers while on his way to the ceremony, in what police believe was a pre-planned killing linked to opposition from the bride’s extended family.
The incident took place on National Highway 135-A on Friday evening, just a few kilometres from the groom’s residence. Azad Bind was travelling in a decorated car as part of the wedding procession when two to three bike-borne assailants intercepted the vehicle. Eyewitnesses said the attackers had concealed their identities, with their faces covered and the motorcycle’s number plate hidden. They opened fire at close range and fled immediately after the attack.
According to those present in the car, multiple shots were fired in rapid succession. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the groom remained conscious for a brief period and reportedly expressed that he would not survive. Family members rushed him to a nearby hospital, from where he was referred to the district hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police officials have indicated that the murder appears to have been carefully orchestrated. Investigators believe the accused were tracking the movement of the wedding procession and coordinating in real time to execute the attack. The probe has identified opposition to the marriage within the bride’s extended family as a key motive.
Authorities have named several suspects, including individuals allegedly linked to the bride’s family, with one of them reported to have openly opposed the marriage and issued threats in the days leading up to the wedding. The accused are currently absconding, and police have launched multiple teams to track them down, announcing a monetary reward for information leading to their arrest.
Investigators also noted that at least one of the accused has a prior criminal background, including involvement in earlier violent incidents, which has further strengthened the suspicion of a targeted killing. A postmortem examination confirmed multiple gunshot injuries, reinforcing the severity of the attack.
The incident has left both families in shock and raised concerns about security lapses, particularly as there were prior warnings of possible violence. What was meant to be a celebratory occasion ended in grief, with authorities continuing their investigation into the circumstances and those responsible.
