In Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur, Mohammad Zahid, accused of murdering two RPF constables, Javed Khan and Pramod Kumar, was killed in an encounter. Zahid was shot during a joint operation by the Noida unit of the STF and Ghazipur police. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead. A reward of ₹1 lakh had been announced for his capture.
Background of the Crime
Zahid was involved in a liquor smuggling gang. The encounter took place in the Dildarnagar area of Ghazipur, where Zahid was severely injured. On the night of August 19-20, Zahid had thrown two RPF constables, Javed Khan and Pramod Kumar, from the Barmer-Guwahati Express while they were trying to stop illegal liquor smuggling. Both constables died from their injuries, and Zahid had been on the run since then. The police had announced a ₹1 lakh reward for his arrest.
STF ADG LO’s Statement
ADG Law & Order Amitabh Yash of the STF provided details about the incident, stating that on the night of August 19-20, RPF constables Javed Khan and Pramod Kumar were attempting to stop liquor smugglers aboard the Barmer-Guwahati Express (15631). In retaliation, the smugglers brutally assaulted the constables and threw them from the moving train, resulting in their deaths.
Criminal Background of Zahid
Zahid, a resident of Phulwari Sharif in Patna, Bihar, had several cases of kidnapping, assault, and liquor smuggling filed against him. He had been on the run for a long time, but was finally cornered and injured in the encounter in Ghazipur. Zahid was found in possession of an illegal .32 caliber pistol, two empty cartridges, and a bag of illegal country liquor.
RPF Constables’ Murder Linked to Bihar Liquor Mafia
The police investigation revealed that the murders of the RPF constables were linked to Bihar’s liquor mafia. So far, six gang members involved in the case have been arrested. One of the accused, Premchand Verma from Bihta, Patna, was arrested after an encounter on August 28. Other accused include Vinay, Pankaj, Bilendra Pasi, Ravi Kumar, and Ravi, son of Bindeshwari. Zahid, the main accused, has now been neutralized in the joint operation.
Bodies Found Along DDU-Danapur Railway Line
The bodies of the two RPF constables were discovered at different locations along the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya-Danapur rail line. The police and STF had been working together to solve the case, which ultimately led to the encounter and the arrest of six criminals.