Wanted in over 30 cases, slain gangster’s aide killed in encounter in Ghaziabad

Officers said Balram had been threatening traders in Masuri, Sihani Gate and Kavi Nagar areas, demanding extortion money via WhatsApp. “At least 34 FIRs have been lodged against him — many of them this month — after businessmen reported receiving death and abduction threats if demands ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh were not met,” an officer said.

“The encounter was carried out after a Ghaziabad-based transporter filed a complaint with the police alleging that he had received a call from Balram demanding Rs 25 lakh. When the ransom was not paid, the transporter was allegedly kidnapped, held captive and released only after extracting cash and jewellery,” the officer added. Similar calls were later made to a sweets trader in Sihani Gate and a businessman in Kavi Nagar, police said.

Acting on complaints, Ghaziabad Police Commissioner J Ravinder Goud formed a team led by Additional DCP (Crime) Piyush Kumar Singh.

On Saturday, acting on a tip-off, the team intercepted a Baleno car near Dasna around 7.50 pm.

“The accused opened fire, injuring three officers… In retaliatory firing, Balram sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead,” the police said in a statement.

Balram, officers said, was booked in murder, loot, extortion, and dacoity cases as well as offences under the Gangsters Act. “He was considered a key operative of the Dujana gang after Anil Dujana’s death in a police encounter last year,” the officer said.