Ghaziabad: The main accused in the murder of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan was killed in a police encounter early Sunday after allegedly opening fire on a joint police team during an operation in the city. The accused, identified as Asad, had been absconding since the fatal stabbing incident on May 28 and carried a reward of ₹50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Police said Asad sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and was later declared dead at a hospital. A police officer was also injured during the operation and is undergoing treatment.
Teenager was fatally stabbed after alleged dispute
The case relates to the murder of Surya Pratap Chauhan in the Khoda area of Ghaziabad on May 28. According to police, the teenager was attacked with knives by Asad and several associates following an alleged dispute.
Family members claimed that Surya and the accused were known to each other and belonged to the same social circle. They also alleged that there had been disagreements between them in the past.
According to the victim’s family, Surya was allegedly persuaded to leave his home after receiving repeated invitations to join Eid celebrations. They claimed he was subsequently confronted by a group of individuals armed with knives.
The family further alleged that Surya attempted to escape and ran a considerable distance before being chased and attacked again. He later collapsed on the road after sustaining multiple stab wounds.
Public outrage and police action
The murder triggered widespread outrage among local residents and various organisations, leading to protests demanding swift action against those responsible.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhaval Jaiswal, five individuals were named as accused in the case.
Police immediately launched search operations following the incident and arrested three suspects. However, Asad remained absconding, prompting authorities to announce a reward for information regarding his whereabouts.
Multiple police teams were deployed to trace the accused, while raids were conducted at various locations.
Encounter during police operation
Police said they received intelligence suggesting that Asad was planning to flee the area after collecting money from associates.
Acting on the information, officers established barricades and launched a checking operation. According to investigators, Asad allegedly opened fire when police attempted to intercept him.
The police team retaliated, resulting in Asad sustaining critical injuries. He was transported to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Officials said a motorcycle and a firearm were recovered from the encounter site.
Three more accused arrested
Police have also arrested three additional accused in connection with the murder case. The arrested individuals have been identified as Nawab, Farhan and Atif.
Investigators stated that Nawab is the father of Asad.
During questioning, Farhan allegedly told police that the confrontation stemmed from an argument between Asad and Surya earlier on the day of the murder. Police said the accused allegedly planned to confront the teenager before the fatal attack took place.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and the roles played by all those involved.
Investigation continues
Police officials said further inquiries are underway and additional evidence is being collected. Statements from witnesses, forensic findings and interrogation reports are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Uttar Pradesh and authorities have assured that all aspects of the incident will be thoroughly examined.