A 61-year-old retired police official, also a supporter of state cabinet minister Ambika Chaudhary, was shot dead while his son was seriously injured by unidentified persons in Narahi area of the district today.
Retired policeman Ramnath Yadav and his son Kantanath (27) were shot at by unidentified persons when the father-son duo was on way to cast their vote in panchayat polls in Ramgarh village, Ballia SP Anees Ansari said.
While Ramnath died on the spot, his son Kantanath who is in a serious condition has been referred to Varanasi, he said.
Though Ansari ruled out the incident to be a case of poll violence, eyewitnesses said the incident happened just a few meters away from the polling station.
Meanwhile, Chaudhary termed the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that Ramnath was his supporter.
The minister held laxity on the part of local police responsible for the incident.
