Journalist found dead in Unnao, family names sub-inspector in FIR

The family of Suraj Pandey, a journalist who was found dead on November 12, has filed an FIR naming, among others, a woman sub-inspector of the police and her driver.

Pandey, 22, worked for an English daily in Unnao. He had left his house on the morning of November 12 and was unreachable on his phone, according to his family. Pandey's body was found at around 3 pm near the railway tracks.

Pandey's mother Lakshmi filed an FIR on the same day at the Unnao Kotwali, which named sub-inspector Sunita Chaurasia. The FIR stated that Pandey knew Chaurasia and the latter had visited his house on several occasions. The day before his death, Pandey had received a phone call from Chaurasia's driver, Amar Singh, the FIR said, and an argument allegedly ensued.

Pandey's mother further claimed that following the argument, the family cancelled their plans of visiting their village on Diwali. On the morning of his death, Pandey received a phone call and left home at 9 am.

Circle officer Gaurav Kumar Tripathi told reporters: "An FIR has been filed under Sections 302, 120-B and 506 of the IPC. Allegations have been levelled against a lady SI and driver; we are investigating the case and will take appropriate action."

Pandey's uncle told reporters that his nephew had been "murdered", the Hindu reported. The newspaper also noted that the police said that "prima facie it appeared to be a case of suicide". According to the Hindu, "a woman sub-inspector and a male constable" were booked.

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