Report: Manmeen Walia, New Delhi
A major encounter took place in Firozabad district by Firozabad Police ended with the death of Naresh alias Pankaj, the main accused in a ₹2 crore loot case, near Halpura Highway Bridge on Sunday. The accused had earlier escaped from police custody and was being searched in connection with the same case.
As per police reports, Naresh, son of Bhudev Sharma alias Bhoori Singh, a resident of Arni, Khair, District Aligarh, was arrested in Case Crime No. 268/2025, under Sections 310(2)/324(4)/140(3)of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at PS Makhanpur, Firozabad. The police had taken him for the recovery of the remaining looted amount and the weapon used in the crime.
During transit, the accused complained of stomach pain and requested to stop near Bajara fields to relieve himself. Taking advantage of the moment, he managed to escape from police custody. Following his escape, police teams launched an intensive search and combing operation in nearby forest areas.
Acting on a specific tip-off, police teams located Naresh near the Halpura Highway Bridge. When the police tried to corner him, the accused opened indiscriminate fire at the team to evade arrest. Despite repeated warnings, he refused to surrender.
In response, the police fired back in self-defence, injuring the accused. During the exchange of fire, Inspector-in-Charge of PS Ramgarh, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Dubey, also sustained bullet injuries, and a shot hit the bulletproof jacket of the Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural).
The injured accused and Inspector Dubey were immediately shifted to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Officials described Naresh as a dreaded criminal involved in several serious offences, including the recent ₹2 crore loot. The swift and brave action of Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Mr. Anuj Chaudhary was praised for his leadership, courage, and quick decision-making during the operation. His presence on the spot and active supervision ensured that the operation was conducted efficiently and with utmost safety. His bravery under fire has been highly appreciated by senior officials, reflecting the dedication and fearless spirit of the Firozabad Police in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of citizens.
