Ghaziabad Police Encounter Ends in Death of Uncle Accused of Heinous Crime
A man suspected of raping and murdering his four-year-old niece was fatally shot during a police encounter in Teela Mod, Ghaziabad, on Sunday. This incident occurred merely a day after authorities increased the reward for his capture from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, highlighting the urgency of the manhunt.
Encounter Details and Police Response
According to police reports, a specialized crime branch-SWAT team initiated the operation based on precise intelligence regarding the accused's whereabouts. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhawal Jaiswal stated that the team received information on Sunday indicating the suspect was traveling through Teela Mod on a motorcycle with two accomplices.
An informant was instructed to monitor the group while Inspector Anil Kumar Rajput led a team to encircle and apprehend them. Police established checkpoints near Bandhla Nahar cut after learning the motorcycle was approaching from the Nahar Patri-Chiraudi/Ratol village direction.
When officers signaled the bike to halt using torchlights, the riders allegedly opened fire with what police described as "intent to kill." The motorcycle skidded off the road during an abrupt braking attempt, but the men quickly recovered, sought cover, and continued firing with country-made pistols.
In self-defense, the police team returned fire, taking positions behind vehicles and on the ground. The accused uncle sustained gunshot wounds to both legs and was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Two other individuals managed to escape under the cover of darkness.
Background of the Case and Supreme Court Scrutiny
The encounter comes at a time when the Ghaziabad police force is under intense scrutiny. Recently, the Supreme Court reprimanded local authorities for their handling of another rape-murder case, characterizing the response of police and two private hospitals as "indifferent, inhuman, and insensitive." This criticism underscores broader concerns about law enforcement protocols in the region.
The deceased, a resident of Muzaffarnagar known by multiple aliases, had been evading capture since the discovery of his niece's body earlier this month. Her remains were found beneath a parked white car in Teela Mod after police received a Dial 112 emergency call around 8 p.m., by which time the girl had been missing for over eight hours.
Family members informed investigators that the child was playing outside her home around noon, enjoying ice cream. Only she and her blind grandfather were present at the time, as her parents, both daily wage laborers, were away at work. The uncle allegedly lured her away by promising to purchase more food.
Police revealed that the accused had rented a room near the girl's residence approximately one month prior. He is believed to have taken the child there, where he raped and strangled her before disposing of the body under the parked car. A subsequent autopsy confirmed both rape and death by strangulation.
Legal Proceedings and Criminal History
An First Information Report was filed at the Teela Mod police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 103(1) for murder, Section 65(2) for rape, and Section 238 for causing disappearance of evidence or providing false information to protect an offender. Relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act were also invoked.
Authorities noted that the accused had a prior criminal record, with two earlier cases registered against him. In 2025, he was arrested in Muzaffarnagar for allegedly stabbing and injuring his sister-in-law. After obtaining bail, he faced another arrest in a molestation case, indicating a pattern of violent behavior.
Aftermath and Family Reaction
During the encounter, two police officers—head constables Amit and Iqbal—sustained injuries from the gunfire. Constable Mohit Sharma was protected by his bulletproof jacket, averting serious harm. Police reported that a total of 15 rounds were fired throughout the exchange.
The father of the victim expressed relief, stating that justice had been served. He remarked, "After what he did to my daughter, he did not deserve to live," reflecting the profound grief and anger felt by the family. This sentiment echoes community outrage over the brutal crime and the swift, albeit deadly, police action.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in combating violent crimes against children and the pressures faced by law enforcement in high-stakes situations. The encounter raises questions about police methods and accountability, particularly in light of recent judicial criticisms, while also bringing closure to a tragic chapter for the affected family.
