In a dramatic early morning encounter in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, police successfully apprehended two wanted criminals carrying a combined bounty of Rs 25,000. The operation unfolded around 4 AM in the jurisdiction of Sen Paschim police station, where a police team led by SHO Hariom Singh spotted the suspects on a motorcycle.
When signaled to stop, the duo—identified as Ankit Yadav and Shubham alias Guddu—opened fire on the officers and attempted to flee. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, lasting several tense minutes. Both criminals sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the shootout and were overpowered by the alert police personnel.
Ankit, aged 22 from Kharela village under Sandila tehsil, carried a Rs 15,000 reward on his head for multiple armed robberies and assaults. Shubham, 23 from the same area, had a Rs 10,000 bounty for similar offenses including looting shops at gunpoint. Recovered from their possession were two country-made pistols, live cartridges, and the motorcycle used in the crime.
SP Neera Singh commended the team’s bravery, stating that such operations send a strong message to hardened criminals. The injured duo was rushed to a district hospital for treatment and will face charges under relevant sections of the Arms Act and Gangsters Act. Locals hailed the police action as a major boost to law and order in the region plagued by rising dacoity cases.
This encounter marks the third successful police operation against proclaimed offenders in Hardoi this month, underscoring the intensified crackdown ahead of upcoming festivals. Investigations continue to uncover their broader criminal network.