A key accused in the murder of a temple priest in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district was killed during a police encounter on Monday, officials confirmed. The incident occurred after a joint team of police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) tracked him down based on a tip-off regarding his location near the Tajpur village underpass.

According to Unnao Superintendent of Police Jai Prakash Singh, officers had launched a coordinated search operation after intelligence inputs suggested that the accused, identified as Issrael, was hiding in the area. When the police team reached the spot and attempted to surround him, they asked him to surrender peacefully.

However, officials said the situation escalated when the accused allegedly opened fire at the police team. One bullet reportedly struck the bulletproof jacket of Sub-Inspector Newton Kumar Singh, while another injured SOG constable Vikas Bhadauria in the arm. Police immediately retaliated in self-defence, leading to a brief exchange of fire.

Also Read: Gangster Linked To Suvendu Adhikari Aide's Murder Surrenders Before UP Court

During the encounter, Issrael sustained injuries and was rushed to the Community Health Centre in Bangarmau. Doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police later recovered a country-made .315 bore pistol, two spent cartridges, and a knife from the encounter site, indicating the intensity of the confrontation.

In a parallel development, authorities also arrested Shanu alias Munna Kalia, the fifth accused in the case, near an overbridge on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway. Police confirmed that all named suspects in the case have now been taken into custody.

The case relates to the brutal killing of Ram Milan Das, a long-time priest at the Bodheshwar temple in Bangarmau, who was stabbed to death on June 9 at an under-construction shrine near his residence. The incident had sparked tension in the region and prompted a large-scale police investigation.

Investigators noted that the priest had been constructing a temple about 200 metres from his home, where he spent most of his time. His family reportedly told police that they were unaware of any personal dispute that could have led to the attack.

Following the encounter, local political leaders praised the police action. Unnao MP Sakshi Maharaj described it as an example of the state’s “zero tolerance” policy towards crime, stating that criminals would not be allowed to escape justice under the current administration.

Authorities said further investigation is underway to establish the full sequence of events and determine whether more individuals were involved in the conspiracy.

Also Read: AP Inter Supplementary Results 2026 Expected This Week; Check Details And Download Steps