Three men were brutally hacked to death in a village in Uttar Pradesh in what police said was an attack stemming from an old rivalry. The assailants allegedly used axes and choppers to kill the victims before dumping their bodies into a pond.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Gahmar village and led to protests by local residents, creating tension in the area. Police said two of the bodies have been recovered so far, while efforts are underway to locate the third. The State Disaster Response Force has been deployed to assist in the search operation.
A case has been registered against 12 people based on complaints filed by the families of the victims. Senior police officials said preliminary investigation indicates that the attack was linked to a long-standing dispute between groups from two separate settlements within the village. An earlier altercation between the rival groups had taken place earlier this year, during which cases were also registered.
Officials confirmed that one body was recovered on Wednesday, while another was found on Thursday evening. The search for the remaining body is continuing.
Police have assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved in the killings as the investigation progresses.

DIG (Varanasi Range) Vaibhav Krishna said a case has been registered against 12 people

Axes used in brutal killings, bodies dumped in pond; 12 booked, probe on

3 men hacked to death in UP village rivalry

Axes used in brutal killings, bodies dumped in pond; 12 booked, probe on

December 26, 2025 | 12:24 IST