LUCKNOW, May 26 -- Nearly 24 days after a groom was shot dead on his wedding day in Jaunpur district, police on Monday claimed to have killed a key accused carrying a Rs.1 lakh reward during an early morning encounter in the Khetasarai area. Police said Ravi Yadav, 28, accused of conspiring in the murder of 21-year-old groom Azad Bind over opposition to his alleged love marriage, was shot during an exchange of fire after he and another suspect allegedly opened fire on a police team during a vehicle checking operation around 3 am. One accused escaped while Ravi later died during treatment, officials said. According to police, Ravi Yadav was a close associate of prime accused Pradeep Bind, the bride's maternal cousin, who allegedly opposed the marriage. Another accused, Bhole Rajbhar, allegedly shared the groom's location before the attack. Based on CCTV footage and witness statements, police had registered a case against all three accused on the complaint of the groom's father, Ram Lakhan Bind, and announced rewards of Rs.1 lakh each on them. Police officials said 13 people have so far been arrested for allegedly sheltering and assisting the accused. However, prime accused Pradeep Bind and Bhole Rajbhar are still absconding. According to investigators, Pradeep had arrived at the wedding house two days before the ceremony but disappeared shortly before the killing. SHO KK Singh said the encounter took place near Gorari village in the Khetasarai police station area. "We signalled a motorcycle carrying two men to stop, but they attempted to flee towards the under-construction bypass. During the chase, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police team. In retaliatory firing, Ravi Yadav sustained bullet injuries while another accused escaped," Singh said. Police said SHO KK Singh suffered a bullet injury to his hand during the exchange of fire, while another policeman narrowly escaped after a bullet struck his bulletproof jacket. Officials added that Ravi Yadav had six criminal cases. The slain groom's sister, Soumya Bind, alleged that the remaining accused were receiving "political and administrative protection" and said justice would remain incomplete until all accused were arrested. The groom's mother, Charatara, welcomed the police action but said several accused were still free. Azad Bind, a resident of Badaur village under Sarai Khwaja police station area, was travelling with his wedding procession to Bibipur village on the night of May 1 when he was attacked. According to eyewitnesses, the groom was seated in the front seat of a car while the procession had briefly halted on the roadside waiting for other vehicles. Two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly arrived with their faces covered and opened fire. Azad sustained multiple bullet injuries and was declared dead. Police later recovered CCTV footage allegedly showing the attackers fleeing. The groom's brother Akash and bride Soni allegedly identified the accused. During questioning, bride Soni Bind reportedly told police that she and Azad were distant relatives and had been in a relationship for nearly two years. She alleged that her cousin Pradeep Bind had opposed the marriage from the beginning and had repeatedly objected to her speaking with Azad....