A 25-year-old Muslim man, Shehbaz, was shot dead in the Katra area of Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, after allegedly attempting to escape from police custody. The incident occurred during his transfer to a local court, where he was to face charges related to the murder of a 35-year-old professor, Alok Gupta, and the subsequent injury of several family members during a robbery that took place just a day prior.
According to the police, Shehbaz had been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Professor Gupta and the assault on his family members during a violent robbery.
Ashok Kumar Meena, the Superintendent of Police in Shahjahanpur, said that the suspect was on his way to the court following a medical examination when a delay occurred due to stray animals blocking the road near Batlaiya village. Shehbaz reportedly took control of a police sub-inspector’s service pistol, attempting to escape desperately. Allegedly, he jumped out of the vehicle and fled towards nearby fields while firing the weapon at the pursuing officers. In the exchange of gunfire, Shehbaz sustained injuries and ultimately lost his life.
Prior to Shehbaz’s arrest in the murder case, a group of unidentified individuals had forcefully entered the home of Alok Gupta, a professor at a private college, on the morning of the previous day. During the attack, Professor Gupta was stabbed to death, and several members of his family, including his father, brother, and wife, sustained serious injuries. As the attackers tried to escape, neighbours managed to apprehend Shehbaz and subjected him to a severe beating, while others involved in the crime managed to evade capture. Shehbaz was handed over to the local authorities.
An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed at the Katra police station, invoking sections 307 (pertaining to attempted murder), 120B (related to criminal conspiracy), and 397 (involving robbery or dacoity with an intent to cause death or grievous harm) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
