Ghaziabad: The main accused in the murder of a 17-year-old boy in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad was killed in a police encounter in the early hours of Sunday, police said.
The accused, identified as Asad, a resident of the Khoda area, was wanted in connection with the killing of Surya Chauhan, a Class 11 student who died on Friday while undergoing treatment for stab injuries sustained during an altercation on Bakrid.
According to police, Surya was allegedly called to a location in Khoda by acquaintances. A friend of the victim told investigators that a dispute broke out after they reached the area, leading to an assault. The family alleged that Surya was lured to the spot and attacked by multiple assailants armed with knives. They claimed he attempted to flee but was chased and stabbed.
Police had earlier said preliminary findings suggested the victim and the accused knew each other and that the incident may have stemmed from an argument over the use of a motorcycle. The victim’s family, however, disputed that version and maintained that the attack was pre-planned.
Following a complaint by Surya’s family, police registered a case against five people. Three suspects were arrested shortly after the incident, while Asad remained absconding. A reward of Rs 50,000 had been announced for information leading to his arrest.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Dhawal Jaiswal said police received information that Asad was planning to meet associates in the Khoda area before fleeing. Acting on the tip-off, police teams set up checkpoints and launched a search operation.
When officers attempted to stop Asad and another person travelling on a motorcycle, they allegedly came under fire, Jaiswal said. Police returned fire in self-defence, injuring Asad. He was taken to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A police constable was also injured during the exchange.
Police said they recovered a motorcycle and a pistol allegedly used by Asad during the encounter. Further investigation into the case is underway.
The killing of the teenager had sparked protests and drawn political attention, with Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya promising strict action against those responsible. BSP chief Mayawati also termed the incident deeply disturbing and called for stringent punishment for the accused.
