Agra Police Encounter Claims Life of Main Murder Accused
In a dramatic turn of events in Agra, the main accused in a recent high-profile murder case was killed in a police encounter during the early hours of Thursday. The incident unfolded during a weapon recovery operation, resulting in a violent confrontation between law enforcement and the arrested suspect.
Violent Confrontation During Recovery Operation
According to police reports, Arbaz Khan, a 24-year-old resident of Agra, was arrested on Wednesday night in connection with the January 23 murder of Raj Chauhan, a 21-year-old local resident with multiple criminal cases against him. Chauhan was shot dead at a guest house located on Tedi Bagiya–Jalesar Road within the Trans Yamuna police station jurisdiction.
After his arrest, Khan was taken out around 2 am on Thursday to recover the weapon allegedly used in the crime. Police officials stated that as the team approached Kanshiram Awas in the Tedi Bagiya area, Khan snatched the service pistol of a sub-inspector and opened fire at the police party in an attempt to escape.
Police Retaliation and Fatal Outcome
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, two police personnel sustained bullet injuries, though bulletproof jackets reportedly protected other officers. The police team retaliated, resulting in Khan suffering bullet injuries to his chest and leg. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
DCP (City) Sayed Ali Abbas provided details of the incident, explaining that the recovery operation turned violent when Khan attempted to flee while firing at officers. The encounter marked a dramatic conclusion to the investigation into Chauhan's murder.
Background of Gang Rivalry and Previous Arrests
Trans Yamuna SHO Harendra Kumar revealed that there was an ongoing power struggle between Arbaz Khan and Raj Chauhan, with both individuals running their own criminal gangs. The rivalry had escalated through previous clashes and online exchanges of abuse, creating significant tension between the two groups.
Following Chauhan's murder, police registered a case at the Trans Yamuna police station and formed nine specialized teams to investigate. During the probe, five accused individuals were identified, and authorities announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to each of their arrests.
In addition to Khan's arrest, police apprehended two of his associates—Ashu Tiwari, 25, and Mohit Pandit, 23—during separate encounters late on Wednesday night. Both sustained bullet injuries to their legs during these operations.
Criminal Histories of the Involved Parties
Both the victim and the main accused had substantial criminal backgrounds. Raj Chauhan faced several criminal cases, including charges of attempt to murder and violations under the Arms Act. Similarly, Arbaz Khan had multiple criminal cases registered against him and maintained a longstanding personal enmity with Chauhan.
The police investigation revealed that the murder resulted from this intense gang rivalry, with both parties having previously clashed and engaged in hostile online interactions that further fueled their conflict.
