A man accused in a recent triple murder case was killed in a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Thursday. Two policemen were also injured during the exchange of fire.
According to police sources, the accused had been absconding since the killing of three members of a family earlier this week, an incident that had sparked fear and outrage in the area. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint police team traced his location to a remote stretch on the outskirts late Wednesday night.
Officials said that when the police team moved in to arrest him, the accused allegedly opened fire in an attempt to escape. Police retaliated, and during the exchange, he sustained critical injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Two policemen were injured during the operation. One officer suffered a gunshot wound, while another was hurt during the confrontation. Both are currently receiving treatment and are reported to be stable.
Police said a firearm and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene. The accused was reportedly involved in multiple criminal cases, including the triple murder that led to the operation.
Senior officers maintained that the encounter took place in self-defence and in accordance with established procedures. As per protocol, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to examine the circumstances of the encounter.
The triple murder case, involving the killing of three members of a family over an alleged dispute, had triggered widespread concern. Police had launched an intensive search operation over the past few days, conducting raids at multiple locations before tracking down the suspect.
Security has since been tightened in the area, and authorities have urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
The incident once again highlights the state’s strict policing approach in dealing with serious crimes, particularly those involving multiple victims.
