Moradabad (UP), April 2 A man allegedly involved in armed attacks, who carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, was killed during an encounter between the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and the Moradabad police, officials said on Thursday.
Ashu, also known as 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 taken to a hospital, they said.
Police said the encounter took place near a newly constructed marriage hall on the Thakurdwara bypass in the Civil Lines area, following information that the accused was present there with accomplices and planning a major crime.
During the operation, he opened fire on the STF team, prompting a 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 attempted 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, attempted 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 arrested 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.