Infamous History-Sheeter Dies in Police Encounter

Manoj, a notorious criminal with multiple rape and robbery charges, died after an encounter with the police in Mathura. Following his arrest, he managed to escape but was later found and engaged in a shootout with police, where he was fatally injured. Two police officers were suspended for negligence.

In a dramatic turn of events, Manoj, a history-sheeter with a bounty of Rs 50,000, was killed following an encounter with the police, as confirmed by officials on Saturday. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Prashant Kumar revealed that Manoj, also known as Uttam, had a slew of rape and robbery cases under his name.

On the night between May 30 and May 31, a joint operation involving the Special Operations Group and local law enforcement led to Manoj's arrest. He sustained a bullet wound in the leg during the encounter and was rushed to a Mathura district hospital for medical treatment. However, around 11 am, while being transported for an X-ray, he escaped police custody, said Senior Superintendent Shailesh Pandey.

A massive manhunt ensued, and a reward of Rs 50,000 was announced by Inspector General Agra Range Deepak Kumar. At approximately 3.20 pm, Manoj was located near Lauhlari Mata Mandir Tiraha. Upon spotting the police, he opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response. Manoj was injured once again and transported to a Community Health Centre in Chhata, where he was declared dead on arrival.

A country-made pistol, rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle were recovered from him. Previously jailed for raping a woman at gunpoint in 2015, Manoj had recently been released on parole. However, he committed another heinous act on May 25, which was promptly reported. Following the encounter, Head Constables Anand Pratap and Nepal Singh faced suspension due to negligence, Pandey added.