Nearly 13,000 police encounters in Uttar Pradesh over seven years; 207 criminals shot dead
Lucknow: In the past seven years, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed 12,964 police encounters, resulting in the deaths of 207 listed criminals and 17 police officers. The data reveals that, on average, a listed criminal was killed every 13 days between March 20, 2017, and September 5, 2024. Most of these criminals had cash rewards ranging from Rs 75,000 to Rs 5 lakh for their arrest.
Meerut Zone recorded the highest number of encounters, with 3,723 incidents leading to the deaths of 66 criminals and the arrest of 7,017. Across the state, police arrested 27,117 individuals following encounters during the same period, with 1,601 criminals injured in these operations. Additionally, 17 police officers were killed in action, and another 1,601 sustained bullet injuries.
The Uttar Pradesh Police, under a "zero tolerance against crime" policy, has taken extensive action against gang lords and mafia members since 2017. Special Task Force (STF) and district police have been actively involved in these operations. State police chief Prashant Kumar stated that all encounters have adhered to Supreme Court guidelines, and none have faced scrutiny from the apex court.
Among the criminals killed were notorious figures like Uday Bhan Yadav, alias Gauri Yadav, and Balraj Bhati, who had numerous cases of dacoity, murder, and extortion against them.
Kumar further said that criminals who engage with police will be dealt with seriously, and the police will continue their efforts to combat crime in the state.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
