A history-sheeter was allegedly shot dead by four assailants during a Muharram procession in Bekanganj area here, causing panic among people in the procession, police said today.
The assailants shot Irshad Kaliya and also cut his throat with a sharp weapon last night, after which they fled from the spot and disappeared in the procession, police said.
The sudden shooting caused people to panic, but police accompanying the procession brought the situation under control and prevented any mishap, they said.
Kaliya, who was a history-sheeter of Bajriya area and had over 10 cases of robbery and murder lodged against him, had been released from the Kanpur District jail just four days ago where he was lodged since the past three years in a murder case, they said.
Ammunition was recovered from Kaliya's pocket, they said.
According to the police, Kaliya had murdered Haseen Jadugar three years ago and this shooting could have been a fallout of that murder.
Heavy police force has been deployed in the area.
The matter is being investigated, police said, adding that efforts are being made to nab the absconding accused.
