A wanted criminal carrying a cash reward was killed in a late-night police encounter in Agra on Friday, officials said. The operation was carried out jointly by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force and the Agra Police in the Ekta police station area.
According to police sources, the accused, identified as Pawan alias Kallu, had a reward of ₹50,000 on his arrest in connection with an extortion case. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about his movement in the area, the joint team attempted to intercept him. When officers tried to stop him, he allegedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that continued for nearly 15 to 20 minutes.
Police said the accused sustained bullet injuries during the encounter. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. An STF head constable was also reported injured in the firing and is undergoing treatment. His condition is said to be stable.
Officials stated that Pawan was a resident of Ghaziabad and had a long criminal history. More than 18 cases, including murder, extortion, and robbery, were registered against him in different districts. Investigators believe he was associated with organized criminal gangs operating in western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region, and was allegedly planning major crimes in Delhi and adjoining areas.
During a search of the spot, police recovered a 9 mm pistol and several live cartridges. Preliminary inquiry suggests that the weapon may have been stolen from a police constable several years ago, though further verification is underway.
Senior officials said the operation was conducted following proper procedure and the entire incident is being documented. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and a detailed investigation into the case, including forensic analysis of the recovered weapon, is in progress.
