A wanted criminal with a bounty of Rs 50,000 was allegedly shot dead in a late-night encounter in Kapoorpur, Hapur district, the Uttar Pradesh Police said on Monday. Officers seized a country-made pistol, live cartridges, and a Swift Dzire from the spot.
According to police, the accused has been identified as Haseen, alias Shatir, 30, a resident of Manauta village in Sambhal district’s Asmoli area. Haseen was wanted in over 25 criminal cases, including ones related to cow slaughter, attempt to murder, and offences registered under the Gangster Act.
Kunwar Gyananjay Singh, Superintendent of Police, Hapur, said the operation began after police received information around 12.30 am that suspected cow smugglers were arranging transportation of animals.
“Acting on this information, the Station House Officer Vinod Pandey reached the location and began to follow a Swift Dzire car, which he found to be moving suspiciously. The man inside the car opened fire at him, and the SHO fired in retaliation to save his life when Haseen was injured,” SP Singh said.
According to the SP, the occupant of the car opened fire at the SHO, who returned fire in self-defence. “As soon as the car’s occupants realised they were trapped, Haseen opened fire at the police team, aiming directly at SHO Pandey. The officer narrowly escaped as the bullet whizzed past his head. The situation quickly escalated into a heavy exchange of gunfire,” Singh said.
Haseen sustained gunshot injuries and collapsed near the vehicle, police said. “He was first taken to the Community Health Centre in Dhaulana and later referred to Rama Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead,” SP Singh added.
