Man Accused of Raping and Killing Niece Shot Dead by Ghaziabad Police

Details of the Incident

The maternal uncle accused of raping and murdering his four-year-old niece in Ghaziabad was killed during a police encounter on Sunday night at Teela Mod. This shootout concluded a week-long manhunt for the suspect who had been absconding following the crime.

On April 11, the body of the child was discovered beneath a car parked on the side of the road. According to police reports, initial inquiries revealed that the maternal uncle had taken the girl to his home under the pretense of playing with her. It is alleged that he subsequently raped and murdered her, disposing of the body in an attempt to hide the crime before fleeing the scene.

Following a complaint lodged by the child’s father, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed. The FIR includes charges under sections 103 (1), 238, and 65 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The Police Encounter

The encounter happened after a Crime Branch-Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team received a tip-off about the accused’s whereabouts in the Teela Mod area. Police quickly set up barricades and initiated checking protocols in that locality.

Officers on the scene reportedly spotted the suspect and attempted to apprehend him. He allegedly opened fire on the police, prompting them to return fire. The accused sustained injuries in the exchange and was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Two police constables were also injured during the gunfight and are currently receiving treatment.

Background on the Accused

The deceased suspect was identified as a resident of Muzaffarnagar and had previous criminal cases recorded against him. Authorities had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for any information leading to his arrest prior to the encounter.

Currently, the two individuals who were with him at the time of the encounter have managed to escape from the scene.

Legal Proceedings and Police Conduct

This confrontation occurs amidst ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court, which has expressed concerns regarding the Ghaziabad Police’s initial reluctance to file an FIR and adequately investigate the case. The court’s observations underline the criticality of timely and effective law enforcement responses in serious criminal matters.