The main accused in the brutal murder of a college student in Ghaziabad was killed in a police encounter late on Monday night. The accused, identified as Ravi Kumar, was shot dead after he opened fire on a police team during a raid in the Loni area. A constable, identified as Pradeep Singh, was injured in the exchange of fire and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Details of the Encounter
According to police officials, the encounter took place around 11:30 PM when a joint team of the Ghaziabad Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) raided a hideout in the Loni area. The accused, who was wanted for the murder of 20-year-old Anjali Sharma, a student of a private college, had been on the run for the past two weeks. During the raid, Ravi Kumar fired at the police team, prompting them to retaliate. In the ensuing gunfight, Ravi was hit by a bullet and died on the spot.
Injured Constable
Constable Pradeep Singh sustained a bullet injury in his left shoulder and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. His condition is reported to be stable. Senior police officials have praised his bravery and assured that all necessary medical care is being provided.
Background of the Case
Anjali Sharma, a second-year B.Com student, was found murdered in her hostel room on May 15. Her throat had been slit, and there were signs of a struggle. The police had launched a manhunt for Ravi Kumar, who was identified as the prime suspect based on CCTV footage and witness statements. It was revealed that Ravi had been stalking Anjali for several months and had threatened her after she rejected his advances.
Police Investigation
The Ghaziabad Police had formed multiple teams to track down the accused. The breakthrough came after they received a tip-off about Ravi's presence in the Loni area. The police have recovered a country-made pistol and a knife from the spot, which are believed to be the weapons used in the crime. The investigation is ongoing to determine if the accused had any accomplices.
Reactions
The family of the victim has expressed relief over the encounter, stating that justice has been served. However, they have demanded a thorough investigation to ensure that all those involved in the crime are punished. The police have assured that they are leaving no stone unturned in the case.
The encounter has also sparked a debate about the effectiveness of police action in crime prevention. While some have praised the police for their swift action, others have raised concerns about the use of extrajudicial force. The police have maintained that the encounter was a result of the accused's refusal to surrender and that they acted in self-defense.
