Shamli Police Kill Reward-Carrying Criminal Wanted in 57 Delhi Cases and 40 Others

A reward-carrying criminal wanted in multiple cases across Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana was killed in a late-night police encounter on the Jhinjhana–Kaserwa road in Shamli district, officials said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Rehan, carried a cash reward of ₹50,000 and was facing more than 90 criminal cases, including robbery and other serious offences.

According to the police, the encounter took place after a joint team of the Kotwali police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) acted on a late-night tip-off about the movement of armed criminals in the area. When the police attempted to stop them, the suspects allegedly opened fire, triggering a gunfight. During the exchange, a police constable sustained gunshot injuries, while Rehan was critically wounded.

Superintendent of Police NP Singh said the injured constable, identified as Sumit Baisla and posted at Shamli Kotwali, was taken for medical treatment and is out of danger. Rehan was rushed to the district hospital following the encounter, where doctors declared him dead. Taking advantage of the darkness, Rehan’s accomplice managed to flee the scene and remains at large.

Police said Rehan was a resident of Zakir Nagar, Gali No. 21, in Okhla, Delhi, and was particularly wanted by the Delhi Police, where 57 cases were registered against him. An additional 40 cases were registered in western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, making him one of the most wanted criminals operating in the region.

During a search of the spot, police recovered a 9 mm Italian-made Beretta pistol, a .32 bore country-made firearm, live cartridges, and a motorcycle. Officials said the recovery indicated Rehan’s continued involvement in armed criminal activity.

SP Singh added that earlier on Thursday evening, Rehan and his accomplice had allegedly robbed two men at gunpoint while they were travelling by motorcycle from Shamli to Fatehpur. Cash, mobile phones, and a ring were looted during the incident, following which an FIR was registered at Babri police station. The looted items have since been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the absconding accomplice.