The main accused in the murder of a Hindu priest in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district was killed in a police encounter early Monday morning after he allegedly opened fire on a police team during an arrest operation, officials said.
The accused, identified as Israel alias Izrail (36), was carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh on his arrest in connection with the June 9 killing of priest Ram Milan Das in Bangarmau area.
Police Say Accused Opened Fire First
According to Unnao Superintendent of Police Jai Prakash Singh, police received a tip-off around 3:40 am about the accused’s presence near the Tajpur underpass in the Bangarmau region.
A joint team of police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) surrounded him when he was reportedly trying to meet an associate. Police said he was asked to surrender but instead opened fire on the team.
During the exchange of fire, SOG constable Vikas Bhadauria was injured, while a bullet also struck a bulletproof jacket of a sub-inspector, preventing a major injury, police said.
Police retaliated, critically injuring the accused. He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead.
Officials said a country-made .315 bore pistol, two spent cartridges, and a knife were recovered from the accused. Police claimed that the knife used in the priest’s murder was also found among the recovered items.
Murder of Priest That Triggered Outrage
The case relates to the killing of 45-year-old priest Ram Milan Das on June 9 in Ramnagar village. The priest was allegedly attacked with knives after being called to a local premises.
According to the FIR lodged by his brother Virendra Singh, the attackers repeatedly stabbed him, and he died after being taken to the hospital.
Family members had alleged that tensions had earlier developed over religious activities at an under-construction Shiva temple where devotional songs were being played.
Multiple Accused in the Case
Police had named five accused in the case, including Israel, Mohammad Shafi, Lalli alias Ajay Gautam, Yameen, and Shanu, along with unidentified persons. Three of them were arrested earlier, while Israel and Shanu were absconding.
Shanu and Israel had been carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh each.
Investigations and Additional Action
Following the murder, police arrested three accused and continued search operations for the remaining suspects. Authorities have also demolished an allegedly illegal structure linked to one of the individuals being investigated in the case.
Police said investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to trace remaining accused and examine all possible angles of the case.
