Alleged Cow Smuggler with Rs 1 Lakh Bounty Killed in Saharanpur Police Encounter
In a dramatic police operation in Saharanpur district, an alleged cow smuggler carrying a bounty of Rs 1 lakh was shot dead during an encounter on Wednesday evening. The incident, which unfolded near Sherpur Pailo village, also left two policemen with bullet injuries, highlighting the violent confrontation between law enforcement and the accused criminal.
Details of the Police Operation and Exchange of Fire
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhinandan Singh, a joint team from Mirzapur and Fatehpur police stations laid a trap based on specific intelligence regarding the movements of Mohd Shahzad, a 40-year-old resident of Gandewara village. Shahzad, who had been absconding since February, was traveling with an accomplice from the Vikasnagar side of Uttarakhand when police signaled them to stop.
Shahzad responded by opening fire on the police team, leading to retaliatory firing in which he sustained fatal bullet injuries. Two constables, Somendra Kumar and Kuldeep Kumar, were injured in their arms during the exchange. All three individuals were rushed to the district hospital, where doctors declared Shahzad dead.
Escape of Accomplice and Recovery of Evidence
While Shahzad's accomplice managed to escape under the cover of darkness, police recovered a pistol from the scene. A search operation is currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect, as confirmed by authorities on Thursday. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by police in tackling organized crime networks involved in illegal activities.
Criminal History and Previous Encounters
SSP Singh revealed that Shahzad had a extensive criminal record, with 44 cases registered against him across multiple police stations. He was wanted in several cases of cow slaughter and had previously evaded arrest in incidents reported in Behat and Nagal police station areas. Notably, Shahzad was also involved in previous encounter cases in Fatehpur and Nagal, where he managed to flee after firing at police personnel.
His criminal history dates back to 2013, encompassing charges under various acts, including:
- Attempt to murder
- Theft
- Cow slaughter and animal cruelty
- Arms Act violations
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
- Uttar Pradesh Cow Slaughter Act
- Gangster Act
This case highlights the persistent efforts by Uttar Pradesh police to combat illegal cow smuggling and related violent crimes, with Shahzad's death marking a significant development in ongoing law enforcement actions against such networks.
