Most-Wanted Criminal Gunned Down in Baghpat Police Encounter: A Long Reign of Fear Ends

A chapter of terror came to a dramatic end in the early hours of Friday as Uttar Pradesh Police shot dead a notorious criminal, long on the run and wanted in over a dozen high-profile cases. The accused, carrying a bounty of ₹1 lakh on his head, was killed during an intense police encounter in the Baghpat district.

A Man Who Lived in Shadows

For years, this gangster had evaded arrest, weaving in and out of police radars while allegedly orchestrating heinous crimes across Western Uttar Pradesh. From murder and armed robbery to organized dacoity, his record painted a grim picture of a man who thrived on violence and control. A total of 16 serious cases had been registered against him in various districts, but until now, law enforcement had little success in bringing him to justice.

The Encounter: A Tense Night in Baghpat

According to senior police officials, the encounter took place around midnight in the outskirts of the Chhaprauli area of Baghpat. Acting on a credible intelligence tip-off, a special police team intercepted the gangster, who was reportedly moving with two accomplices. As the police attempted to stop them, the group opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange that lasted several minutes.

“Despite being given a chance to surrender, he chose to engage. We had to retaliate in self-defense,” said a senior police official who led the operation. The shootout ended with the gangster fatally wounded, while one of his associates was captured and another fled under the cover of darkness. A combing operation is currently underway to nab the third suspect.

A History of Violence

Locals in several parts of Uttar Pradesh had lived under the shadow of this criminal for years. His name had become synonymous with fear, especially in regions where he operated extortion rackets, looted businesses, and was suspected of involvement in multiple contract killings.

“People wouldn’t step out after dark. He had the power to silence entire neighborhoods,” said a resident of Baghpat who requested anonymity. “Today feels like the first day of freedom in years.”

Police believe his extensive network was built on fear, threats, and the strategic use of rural hideouts that made him elusive to tracking. His modus operandi included switching vehicles and using local contacts for shelter and intel.

The End of a Reign, But Not the Battle

While the police hailed the encounter as a success in the ongoing war against organized crime, they also acknowledged that dismantling such criminal ecosystems requires more than just gunning down the kingpin.

“This is not just about killing one criminal. It’s about breaking the backbone of a network that has roots in multiple districts,” added the official. The investigation is now shifting focus toward the people who supported him—financial backers, informants, and those who helped him escape the law repeatedly.

Weapons, ammunition, and forged identity documents were recovered from the scene. Forensic teams are analyzing these materials to trace further connections and hidden caches.

Community Breathes a Sigh of Relief

The death of the most-wanted criminal was met with quiet relief among the public and cautious celebration within the police ranks. For many residents in Baghpat and nearby districts, it feels like the long grip of fear has finally loosened.

“We used to lock our shops early, worried about extortion demands or random violence,” said another local trader. “Now maybe things will return to normal.”

A Message from the Top

Senior state police officials reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and warned other absconding criminals to surrender or face similar consequences. “This encounter sends a strong message—no criminal will be spared, no matter how long he runs or how big his network is.”

Looking Ahead

The end of this gangster may close a chilling chapter in Uttar Pradesh’s criminal history, but law enforcement officials know that the real challenge lies ahead—ensuring these voids aren’t filled again and communities feel secure enough to live without fear.

As the sun rose over Baghpat, residents walked a little lighter, grateful that the nightmare that haunted their nights had finally been laid to rest.