Wanted criminal among four killed in UP encounter

In a late-night operation at Utpur village in Shamli’s Jhinjhana area on the Haryana-Uttar Pradesh border, a Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh gunned down a notorious criminal and three of his accomplices, bringing an end to their spree of heinous crimes, said officials.

The gang members, identified as Arshad, Manjeet from Sonepat, Satish from Madhuban in Karnal, and an unidentified associate, were wanted for multiple cases of robbery, dacoity and murder across UP and Haryana.

Arshad, a known member of the Mustafa Kagga and Mukim Kala gang, had 16 criminal cases registered against him, including murder and robbery. He carried a bounty of Rs 1 lakh for a robbery case in Saharanpur’s Behat.

During the encounter, STF Inspector Sunil sustained multiple bullet injuries and was rushed to a private hospital before being transferred to Gurugram’s Medanta hospital. His condition is reported as critical. The transfer was accompanied by a pilot vehicle with a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to ensure his safe passage.

“An encounter between STF, local police and criminals took place, resulting in the deaths of four gangsters. STF Inspector Sunil was seriously injured, and his treatment is ongoing at Medanta hospital in Gurugram,” said Prashant Kumar, Director General of Police (DGP), Uttar Pradesh.

He confirmed the recovery of a Brezza car, a carbine, two pistols and three other weapons from the gang members.

“The main criminal, Arshad, was a wanted offender with a Rs 1 lakh bounty announced by ADG Meerut Zone. He had a long criminal history. After his release from jail in June 2024, he resumed his criminal activities in UP and Haryana. With his elimination, I hope the region will regain peace,” said the DGP.

SP Karnal Ganga Ram Punia visited the hospital to inquire about Inspector Sunil’s health. The local administration has hailed the STF for their swift and coordinated operation.