POLICE ‘HIT BACK’, KILL 3 CRIMINALS IN A WEEK
The killing of the three notorious criminals in police encounters in Shamli and Azamgarh within the span of a week might mark the return of the ‘encounter era’ that one saw during the Kalyan Singh regime (1997-99) when the police eliminated hardened criminals across the state.
On July 29, the police killed two criminals- Naushad alias Danny and Sarvar- in encounter in Kairana area of Shamli district. The duo was wanted in cases of murder, loot, dacoity and extortion. Five cops were also injured in the encounter.
On Thursday, the police killed notorious criminal Jai Hind Yadav alias Shivpujan Yadav in police encounter in Mehnagar area of Azamgarh district. IG (Law and Order) Hari Ram Sharma said Yadav was wanted in a dozen crime cases and state police had announced Rs 15,000 reward on him. Acting on information that Yadav was seen in Mehanagar area, the Azamagarh police launched a search operation and found him moving on a motorcycle. When challenged, he fired on the cops, who fired back killing him. Two policemen also received bullet injury.
When asked about the killing s, Sharma said they attacked the police team and cops were left with no option but to retaliate. Talking to HT, a senior police officer said during Kalyan Singh government, policemen were given a free hand to eliminate notorious criminals. The Special Task Force was constituted to track the criminals and eliminate them. After the BJP grabbed power in the state in March this year, there was sudden spurt in crime. The pressure increased on the police after traders and social organizations demanded a crackdown on criminal gangs. “The killing of the criminals indicates that those who challenge the might of the police will face the music,” the officer said. On Wednesday the CM had expressed concern over spurt in crime and attack on the police in various districts. In a video conferencing with the District magistrates and Superintendents of Police he told them to take tough action against the criminals. “When state government has given you free hand then what is stopping you from action against the criminals”, he said. SHARMA SAID THEY ATTACKED THE POLICE TEAM AND POLICEMEN WERE LEFT WITH NO OPTION BUT TO RETALIATE.