An undertrial in Mathura jail, who was seriously injured in a firing incident believed to be a fallout of gang war, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while being taken to a hospital in Agra.
Inmate Rajesh Tota was being shifted to S N Medical College in Agra for treatment from Mathura jail late last night when the firing took place, Mathura District Magistrate, Rajesh Kumar said, adding that he has ordered a magisterial inquiry in the incident.
The assailants stopped the ambulance on Agra-Mathura highway and pleaded that they be allowed to see Tota as they were his family members, police said.
The assailants then opened fire on Tota, whose vehicle was being escorted with police vans, leaving him dead on the spot.
A 24-year-old medical assistant received a bullet injury on arm and saved himself by hiding underneath the seat of the ambulance, police said.
A policeman escaped from the spot after receiving minor injuries and informed authorities about the incident this morning, they said.
Yesterday, one undertrial was shot dead, while Tota and Rajkumar Sharma suffered bullet injuries inside Mathura jail in a firing incident.
According to police sources, the firing was the result of a gang war between the supporters of Brajesh Mavi, who was a gang leader, and Tota.
Tota had alleged that the jail authorities had been plotting to "eliminate" him.
The police are searching for the absconding gunmen.
The District Magistrate said that a magistrate will proceed with inquiry today, adding "there will be a judicial enquiry into the custodial death of the accused.
