The main accused in the murder of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan was killed in a police encounter in Ghaziabad late Saturday night, days after the teenager's death triggered widespread public outrage and protests. The accused, identified as Asad, had been absconding since the incident and carried a reward of ₹50,000 on his arrest. Police said he sustained gunshot injuries during an exchange of fire and was later declared dead at a hospital.

According to officials, the encounter was carried out jointly by teams from the Khoda and Indirapuram police stations after intelligence inputs suggested that Asad was planning to flee the area. Police had intensified search operations and conducted multiple raids following the murder case. During the operation, officers set up barricades and launched a vehicle-checking drive to intercept the accused.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City/Trans-Hindon) Dhaval Jaiswal said Asad was spotted approaching on a motorcycle along with an aide. When police attempted to stop him, he allegedly opened fire on the team. Officers retaliated, resulting in Asad sustaining critical injuries. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. A police officer was also injured during the exchange of fire and is currently undergoing treatment.

Also Read: Hard-Line MPs And Security Officials Pressure Khamenei to Halt US Negotiations

The encounter comes just days after Surya Pratap Chauhan was allegedly attacked with a knife in Ghaziabad's Khoda area on May 28, coinciding with Bakrid celebrations. The teenager suffered severe injuries and later died during treatment. The incident sparked protests by family members, local residents, and several Hindu organisations, who demanded swift action against those responsible.

Police said five individuals were named in the case. Three suspects were arrested shortly after the incident, while Asad remained on the run. Authorities formed multiple teams to track him down and announced a cash reward for information leading to his arrest. During the encounter, police recovered a motorcycle and a firearm allegedly used by the accused.

Officials stated that Asad's aide managed to escape during the operation, and a combing exercise is underway to locate and arrest him. Meanwhile, legal proceedings related to the murder case continue. Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya assured strict action against the accused, while BSP chief Mayawati described the killing of the teenager as deeply tragic and called for strong measures to ensure justice.

Also Read: Delhi Special Cell Probes Cryptocurrency Channels Used by ISI Network to Finance Operations