Bareilly: Alleged Killer Shot Dead in Police Encounter After Family Panchayat Turns Deadly
In a dramatic turn of events, Afzar Khan (38), who was accused of brutally murdering his mother-in-law and brother-in-law and critically injuring his wife during a family panchayat, was shot dead in a police encounter in the Izzat Nagar police station area of Bareilly early Tuesday morning. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the tragic consequences of domestic disputes escalating into violence.
Police Encounter Details
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bareilly, Anurag Arya, provided details of the encounter to the media. "We were actively searching for the accused when we received a credible tip-off that Khan was hiding in the outskirts of the village and was armed," Arya stated. "The source indicated he was planning to kill his wife. A team from Izzat Nagar police station immediately rushed to apprehend him."
Upon interception, the situation turned violent. "When intercepted, he opened indiscriminate fire at the police team, injuring two personnel," Arya explained. The injured officers were promptly taken to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. In what police describe as an act of self-defence, Khan was shot dead during the exchange of fire.
The Family Panchayat Tragedy
The police encounter followed a horrific incident on Monday afternoon in the Rahpura Chaudhary locality under Izzatnagar police station limits. A family panchayat was convened to resolve a long-running marital dispute between Afzar Khan and his wife, Saima Khan (30). Saima had been staying at her parents' house for the past two days due to frequent quarrels with her husband.
As family members and locals gathered to mediate, tensions flared. Reports suggest that Khan's brother-in-law allegedly hit him with a slipper, triggering a violent outburst. In a fit of rage, Afzar Khan allegedly attacked with a knife:
- He stabbed his mother-in-law, Asma (54), and brother-in-law, Adil (20), both of whom died on the spot due to excessive bleeding.
- Saima Khan was critically injured while trying to intervene and was rushed to a private hospital, where her condition remains serious.
The couple's two minor children, Faiz (8) and Ayesha (5), were present during the incident and are reportedly in deep shock, adding to the tragedy's emotional toll.
Police Investigation and Legal Actions
SSP Arya confirmed that the police have taken swift action in the case. "We have recorded Saima's statement before a magistrate. A forensic team has inspected the crime scene to gather evidence," he said. An FIR under BNS Section 103 (murder) was registered late Monday, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the house to establish the precise sequence of events.
Further investigation revealed that Afzar Khan had a criminal history, having been previously convicted for the murder of his uncle. This background adds a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting a pattern of violent behavior.
Community Impact and Broader Implications
This incident underscores the severe risks associated with domestic disputes and the role of family panchayats in rural and semi-urban settings. While such gatherings are often intended to resolve conflicts amicably, they can sometimes escalate into violence, as seen here. The police's proactive response in the encounter highlights ongoing efforts to combat crime, but it also raises questions about preventive measures for domestic violence.
The tragedy has left the local community in mourning, with residents calling for increased awareness and support systems to address marital discord before it turns fatal. As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on providing support to the victims' family, particularly the injured wife and traumatized children.
