UP: Eight policemen killed in encounter with criminals near Kanpur

LUCKNOW: At least eight Uttar Pradesh police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were killed in an encounter with criminals in Kanpur, officials said on Friday.
The encounter took place when the police team was approaching to arrest Vikas Dubey, a history sheeter facing 60 criminal cases, in Dikru village under Chaubeypur police station on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, police said.


As the police team was about to reach the hideout of the dreaded criminal, a hail of bullets was showered on them from a building rooftop, leaving deputy SP Devendra Mishra, three sub-inspectors and four constables dead, officials said. Giving details of the incident, Uttar Pradesh director general of police HC Awasthi said the notorious criminal might have got an inkling of the impending raid.


He and his henchmen put up massive roadblocks to prevent the police personnel from proceeding towards their hideout. As the police team was caught unawares, the criminals fried at them from a building rooftop leading to the deaths, Awasthi said.

On getting information about the incident, additional DG (Law and Order), IG (Kanpur) and the senior SP of Kanpur rushed to the spot, where a forensic team has started investigations. The forensic team will be joined by another team from Lucknow.
The Special Task Force (STF) of the Uttar Pradesh police has also been pressed into action, the DGP said.

"Seven other persons including a civilian were also injured in the incident. Few police weapons are also missing. Those responsible for the act will be caught and produced before the law. If there has been any lapse on the part of the police, it will be investigated," said ADG Law and Order Prashant Kumar.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath paid tributes to the slain policemen and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their family members.

According to a spokesperson, he directed the police chief to take stringent action against the culprits and collect detailed report from the spot immediately.

Uttar Pradesh will never forget the martyred policemen who had discharged their duties with unmatched courage. Their sacrifice will not go in vain, said the chief minister.
Opposition slams Yogi govt over the incident
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the incident was one of the 'most shameful' that reveals the nexus between criminals and those in power.
"It is the dedicated police personnel who have paid the price today," he tweeted.

He further added that the accused must be arrested so that the nexus could be revealed.