Chaos in Ghazipur: Mob attacks police team escorting body of ‘encounter’ victim

Following the incident, the body was transported to the cremation ground, where the final rites were conducted by the family members without further incident, officers added.

Among the alleged miscreants, included the deceased’s family members, police said, adding that officers have since been deployed in and around Chaudhary’s residence as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and prevent any escalation of tensions.

“A case is being registered at Kotwali police station in connection with the incident. No arrests have been made so far,” Ghazipur Superintendent of Police Iraj Raja said.

On Wednesday, police received intelligence about the movement of Chaudhary in the Bazaar area of Ghazipur. Acting on the tip-off, a joint police team moved to apprehend him. However, officers said Chaudhary opened fire upon spotting the police and attempted to flee on a motorcycle.

Police alerted the control room and launched a pursuit for Chaudhary. Near a tube well in Kurtha village, Chaudhary allegedly found himself surrounded and again fired at the police. According to the police, officers returned fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire during which he was struck in the chest and critically injured.

He was immediately taken to the district hospital in Ghazipur for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries, police said. An officer sustained a gunshot wound to the hand during the encounter and remains under treatment, officers added.