Uttar Pradesh Police have reported a significant surge in encounters with criminals during the year 2025. Official data released by the state's top police officer shows that a total of 48 alleged criminals were killed in such police actions, marking the highest annual figure recorded since the current state government took charge in 2017.
Official Data Revealed at Police HQ Press Conference
The detailed statistics were made public by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna. He addressed journalists at the state police headquarters in Lucknow, providing a comprehensive overview of police actions spanning a period of over eight years. The data covers operations conducted between March 20, 2017, and December 29, 2025.
According to the DGP, the year 2025 alone accounted for 48 encounter deaths. This number underscores a continued and intensified policy of direct confrontation with individuals involved in serious criminal activities across India's most populous state.
A Look at the Long-Term Trend Since 2017
The press conference was not just about the latest year's figures. DGP Krishna presented a longitudinal analysis of police encounters since the Bharatiya Janata Party government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, assumed office. The period from March 2017 to the end of December 2025 has seen a consistent pattern of police action against criminals.
While the full year-wise breakdown prior to 2025 was not specified in the initial report, the announcement highlights that the 48 deaths in 2025 represent the peak annual count within this timeframe. This data point is central to the state police's narrative of a firm stance against lawlessness.
Implications and the State's Stance on Crime
The release of these figures is seen as a reaffirmation of the Uttar Pradesh government's declared "zero tolerance" policy towards crime. The Adityanath administration has frequently cited police encounters as a necessary tool to combat hardened criminals, create deterrence, and establish the rule of law.
Proponents argue that such strong actions have helped in reducing major crime rates and instilling a sense of security among citizens. However, these encounters have also been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny from human rights organizations and political opponents, who have called for thorough judicial inquiries into the circumstances of each case.
With the disclosure of the 2025 statistics, the debate around the methods and accountability in policing is likely to be reignited. The state police leadership, by presenting the data formally, appears to be emphasizing transparency in its operations while standing by its record of direct action.
