Daijiworld Media Network - Lakhimpur Kheri
Lakhimpur Kheri, Jan 6: A wanted gangster accused in the gangrape of two minor girls was killed in a police encounter during a joint operation by Lakhimpur Kheri and Sultanpur police early Monday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Talib alias Azam Khan, a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri, who was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lac. Police said Azam had 17 criminal cases registered against him at various police stations in the district.
According to police, Azam, along with his associates Salman and Mukhtar, was involved in the gangrape of two minor girls on December 15. The incident occurred around 6.30 am when the victims were cycling to attend tuition classes. The accused allegedly intercepted them, dragged them into a sugarcane field and raped them before fleeing.
Following a complaint by the victims’ families, an FIR was registered. Based on descriptions provided by the girls and intelligence inputs, police identified the three accused.
On December 20, police arrested Salman and Mukhtar after an exchange of fire, during which both sustained bullet injuries to their legs. During interrogation, they disclosed the whereabouts of the main accused, Azam.
Acting on the information, a joint police team cordoned off the Lambhua police station area in Sultanpur district. Superintendent of Police Kunwar Anupam Singh said that when Azam found himself surrounded, he opened fire at the police team. Police retaliated in self-defence, injuring him.
Azam was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead by doctors.
Police said Azam was earlier carrying a reward of Rs 50,000, which was later increased to Rs 1 lakh after he was booked in the gangrape case.