Moradabad (UP), Apr 2 (PTI) An alleged sharpshooter carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head was killed after an encounter during a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Moradabad police, officials said on Thursday.
Ashu alias Monty, a resident of Meerpur Kala village in Hapur district, sustained bullet injuries during the exchange of fire in the Civil Lines area and was rushed to a hospital, they said.
Police said the encounter took place near an under-construction marriage hall on the Thakurdwara bypass in the Civil Lines area, following a tip-off that the accused was present there with associates and planning a major crime.
During the operation, he opened indiscriminate fire at the STF team, prompting retaliatory action in which he was injured. He later succumbed to his injuries during treatment, officials said on Thursday.
He was wanted in a case of attempt to murder and for demanding an extortion of Rs 5 crore from a businessman in Moradabad.
A reward of Rs 50,000 had been announced on his arrest.
According to officials, Ashu has a long criminal history with around 36 cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, robbery and offences under the Arms Act across several districts.
During the operation, police recovered a car, a .32 bore factory-made pistol, a .32 bore revolver and a large quantity of empty shells and live cartridges from his possession.
Police said Ashu was first jailed in 2010 in a murder case, during which he came in contact with the Udham Singh gang. After being released on bail, he began working for the gang and continued to be involved in serious crimes.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, officials added. PTI CDN HIG HIG
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