Ghaziabad police reported that the accused in the Surya Chauhan murder case was killed in an encounter near Loni border late at night.
Officials stated the accused opened fire first, and a pistol was recovered from the scene.
Family members have called for a judicial probe.
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Ghaziabad: The main accused in the sensational murder of Surya Chauhan, who was allegedly stabbed to death on the day of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) in Navneet Vihar under Khoda police station limits, has been killed in a police encounter.
According to police, the accused, identified as Asad, had been on the run since the murder. The incident had triggered widespread outrage in the area, with family members and several Hindu organizations demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and strict action against those involved.
Police had earlier arrested three suspects in connection with the case. However, Asad, believed to be the prime accused, had managed to evade arrest despite continuous search operations and raids.
Officials said that Khoda and Indirapuram police teams received specific intelligence about Asad's movement in the Indirapuram area. Acting on the tip-off, police launched a joint operation and attempted to intercept him.
During the operation, Asad allegedly opened fire on the police team in an attempt to escape. Police retaliated in self-defense, during which Asad sustained bullet injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors later declared him dead.
A police personnel was also injured during the exchange of fire and is currently undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, one of Asad's associates managed to flee from the spot.
Police have launched a combing operation to trace the absconding suspect. Further legal proceedings in the case are underway.