Kanpur encounter: Main accused Vikas Dubey a history-sheeter with 60 criminal cases

Shukla was murdered inside Shivli police station campus in October 2001. He was then chairman of Contract Labour Board and held the rank of minister of state. After Shukla’s death, Dubey joined politics and won the election for Zila Panchayat member.

“After investigation, chargesheet was filed in 2002 against eight persons including Dubey and three policemen. In 2003, all accused were acquitted by a local court for want of evidence,” said Shivli police station SHO Veer Pal Singh.

Shukla’s brother Manoj said, “My brother was killed over political rivalry.” He added that no appeal was filed in the High Court because of Dubey’s political connections. “Dubey was associated with leaders of various political parties and helped them during elections. He had a following of loyal youths,” Manoj said.

The Pandey murder took place near Shivli bus stand on November 14, 2000, allegedly over a land dispute. Dubey was accused of conspiring for the murder while in jail. The police filed chargesheet against four persons including Dubey.

“A local court in 2004 awarded life imprisonment to all accused. One of them died while three others are out on bail,” said an officer of Shivli police station.

When contacted, Additional Director General, Law and Order, Prashant Kumar said, “A reward of Rs 50,000 has been declared on the head of Vikas Dubey, who has around 60 cases against him.”