Bulandshahr: An accused wanted in a recent triple murder case in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district was killed in a police encounter early Thursday, officials said. The development comes a day after two other suspects linked to the same case were arrested following a separate encounter.
The deceased accused, identified as Jeetu Saini, carried a bounty of Rs 50,000 and was allegedly involved in the killing of three youths during a birthday party in Khurja earlier this week. The police confirmed that two personnel were injured during the exchange of fire, while two others narrowly escaped as bullets struck their bulletproof jackets.
Encounter during routine checking
According to officials, the encounter took place near the Dharau police outpost under the Khurja Dehat police station limits. A police team was conducting routine vehicle checks when they noticed two individuals riding a scooter and signalled them to stop.
Instead of complying, the suspects allegedly attempted to flee while opening fire at the police team. The police responded by chasing them, eventually surrounding the suspects on Jhajhar Road.
Officials said the accused again opened fire during the chase, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defence. During the exchange, one of the accused sustained bullet injuries, while the other managed to escape under the cover of darkness.
Injured accused declared dead
The injured accused, later identified as Jeetu Saini, was immediately taken to a nearby community health centre. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police said that an illegal .32 bore pistol, live cartridges, and a scooter without a number plate were recovered from the spot, indicating the accused’s involvement in criminal activities.
Police personnel injured
During the encounter, two police personnel sustained injuries. Additionally, bullets struck the bulletproof jackets of Khurja Nagar Station House Officer Ramphal Singh and a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, preventing potential serious injuries.
Officials stated that the injured personnel are currently receiving treatment and are out of danger.
Background of the triple murder case
The case relates to a violent incident that occurred on the night of April 25 in Khurja. Three youths from the same family — Amardeep (30), Manish (28), and Akash (18) — were shot dead during a dispute at a birthday celebration.
According to police, the altercation escalated quickly, leading to the fatal shooting. The incident had created tension in the area and prompted a swift response from law enforcement agencies.
A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and multiple teams were deployed to track down the accused.
Investigation and arrests so far
Police officials said that with the latest encounter, significant progress has been made in the case. So far, five accused have been arrested in connection with the triple murder, while one suspect was neutralised during Thursday’s encounter.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused who managed to escape. Police teams are conducting raids at multiple locations and have intensified surveillance to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
Law and order under control
Authorities have assured that the law and order situation in Bulandshahr remains under control. Adequate police force has been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents.
Senior officials stated that strict action will continue against individuals involved in violent crimes and that such incidents will be dealt with firmly.
Conclusion
The killing of the accused in the police encounter marks a crucial development in the Bulandshahr triple murder case. While the police have made substantial progress with multiple arrests, efforts are still underway to nab the remaining suspects. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining law and order while ensuring swift justice in serious criminal cases.