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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
“Goli maro…” slogan raised as ABVP-linked group disrupts play at University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A group allegedly linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) disrupted a theatre performance at the University of Hyderabad on Sunday evening. The group is also accused of vandalising property and assaulting students.
Slogans such as “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maro…” were raised during the incident, according to eyewitnesses.
According to the Observer Post, the disruption happened as Mahesh Elkunchwar's play Holi was being staged at the Department of Theatre Arts' GB Hall. The group reportedly objected to certain portions of the play, claiming that some phrases hurt religious sentiments.
According to accounts from those present, the situation escalated when individuals forced their way into the venue after damaging fixtures and breaking glass panels outside the auditorium. Students attempting to intervene were reportedly assaulted, and a guest faculty member was allegedly threatened.
Several students sustained injuries and were provided initial treatment at the campus health centre before being shifted to a nearby hospital.
Police later arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and escorted those inside the hall to safety. Witnesses said tensions remained high, with some members of the group continuing to raise slogans during the evacuation.
