Hashim Baba gang member killed in police encounter

In a joint operation between the Special Cell of Delhi Police and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) Anil, alias Matka, was arrested by the police following a police encounter in the TP Nagar area of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, police officials said on Saturday.

Anil (37) a resident of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, had a long history of crime. Originally working as a motor mechanic, he became associated with gang members of Hashim Baba gang.

His criminal history included a contract killing in 2014, several armed robberies, and involvement with high-profile gangsters like Umesh Pandit and Hashim Baba. He was arrested multiple times, with his crimes escalating over the years, culminating in a double murder case in Farsh Bazar, Delhi, on the eve of Diwali 2024.

“Anil was wanted in connection with three major cases. On October 31 2024, he and his associates shot and killed two persons, during a Diwali celebration in Delhi. A case was registered in Farsh Bazar, where Anil had been evading arrest. In May, 2022, he committed a gunpoint robbery of Rs 9 lakh in Delhi, for which a reward of Rs 50,000 was offered for his arrest. Furthermore, on October 7, 2022, Anil and his associates looted Rs 1.5 crore from an office in Karol Bagh, Delhi. Despite the arrest of other members of his gang, Anil remained at large,” an official said.

“On receiving a tip-off, the Special Cell collaborated with the Uttar Pradesh STF and set a trap in TP Nagar, Meerut.” DCP (Special Cell), Pratiksha Godara said.

When Anil was identified in the area, the police moved in to apprehend him. “Anil, however, opened fire on the police team, prompting the officers to retaliate. In the exchange of gunfire, Anil was injured and rushed to Subhash Hospital in Meerut, where he was declared dead,” the DCP added. The police recovered two pistols, thirteen live cartridges, and one motorcycle from the scene of the encounter.