Lucknow, December 7: The Uttar Pradesh police, probing the killing of SHO Subodh Kumar Singh, who was shot dead in the protests by cow vigilante groups following news of alleged killing of cows in the district, have said that they are first trying to find out who killed the cows rather than ascertaining who shot at the inspector Singh and civilian Sumit, a 19-year-old who lost his life after getting shot during the protests. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Meets Family of Cop Subodh Singh Who Was Killed by Mob in Bulandshahr.

Talking to the Indian Express, Additional Superintendent of Police (Bulandshahr), Rayees Akhtar, was quoted as saying by the paper that the main concern of the police at this point of time is to ascertain who killed the cows, that led to the violence in the first place. Bulandshahr Mob Violence: UP DGP Calls Incident 'Big Conspiracy'; Politics Continues Over Killing of Subodh Singh.

The officer added that solving the case of the killing of cows will make it easier to probe and understand the reason behind the killing of inspector Subodh Kumar Singh. Akhtar said that nabbing the cow killers was a priority at the moment and hence the rioting and murder case are put on the "backburner" currently. Bulandshahr Mob Violence: Did Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh Fire at Sumit Before Being Lynched? Video Capturing His Final Moments Out.

On Thursday, the family of slain policeman Inspector Subodh Singh met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence. Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh was lynched by a violent mob in Bulandshahr four days ago. He was shot near his left eyebrow and was also beaten by a blunt object, said the police based on his autopsy report. The mob was allegedly led by Yogesh Raj, member of Bajrang Dal, who claimed that seven men slaughtered cows in village Mahaw. Main accused Yogesh Raj has been absconding and is still out of reach of police. Four accused have been arrested and cases against unknown people who formed part of the mob has been registered.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 07, 2018 08:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).