Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
A wanted criminal carrying a reward of ₹25,000, identified as Azhar Ansari, was arrested following a late-night police encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district on Thursday. According to police, the accused had been absconding in connection with a case registered under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act. During the exchange of fire, he sustained a bullet injury to his left leg in retaliatory police firing and was later admitted to a government medical college for treatment.
Police said that acting on a tip-off, officers from Bhatpar Rani Police Station had set up a vehicle-checking operation near Chanuki Mod. During the operation, they attempted to stop a suspicious motorcycle rider, who ignored the signal and fled the scene.
Following the alert, police from Lar Police Station joined the operation, and a joint team laid a blockade near Kharwania Mod. According to officials, the suspect tried to escape after realizing he had been surrounded, but lost control of his motorcycle and fell on the road.
Police alleged that after falling, the accused opened fire at the police team with a country-made pistol. In response, officers fired in self-defense, hitting him in the left leg. He was immediately overpowered, arrested, and shifted to the hospital for medical treatment.
During interrogation, the accused was identified as Azhar Ansari, son of Ahmad Ansari, a resident of Matiyara Jagdish village under Lar Police Station limits. Police claimed to have recovered a country-made pistol, one live cartridge, one empty cartridge case, and a Hero Splendor motorcycle from his possession.
According to the police, Azhar Ansari already had multiple criminal cases registered against him under the Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Arms Act. A reward of ₹25,000 had been announced for his arrest after he remained absconding.
Police have now registered an additional case against the accused under charges including attempt to murder and relevant provisions of the Arms Act for allegedly firing at the police team. Further legal proceedings are underway, and the investigation into the incident is continuing.
