The main accused in the murder of 17-year-old Surya Chauhan died in a police encounter in Ghaziabad early Sunday morning. Police said Asad was trying to flee the city when officers surrounded him in the Vasundhara area around 4 am. He allegedly opened fire on the police, prompting them to retaliate. Asad suffered gunshot injuries and later died during treatment at a hospital.
The encounter came just a day after police announced a reward of ₹50,000 for information leading to his arrest. One of Asad’s associates managed to escape during the operation, and police teams continue to search for him.
Murder on Bakrid Shocked the City
The case drew widespread attention after Surya Chauhan, a Class 11 student from Khoda, died following a brutal knife attack on Bakrid. According to police and eyewitness accounts, Surya suffered multiple stab wounds and remained under treatment for several days before he died on Friday afternoon.
The incident triggered outrage because it involved members of two communities. Hindu organisations staged protests and demanded strict action against the accused. Surya’s family also refused to perform his last rites for several hours, demanding justice and immediate arrests.
After nearly ten hours of protests and discussions, officials persuaded the family to conduct the cremation on Saturday evening.
How the Attack Happened
Surya lived with his family in Navneet Vihar, Khoda. His father had passed away earlier, and his elder brother, Yash Chauhan, supported the family by working at Mother Dairy.
According to Surya’s minor friend, the attack took place on Bakrid when he, Surya, and another friend were walking near their homes. During that time, Asad, who lived in the neighborhood, called Surya and asked him to meet near a banana warehouse in Gali No. 2.
When the boys reached the spot, Asad allegedly asked Surya, “Have you ever seen a goat being slaughtered? Today is Bakrid. Come, we will show you.” Surya reportedly refused and started walking away.
The friend claimed that an argument followed. Soon after, Asad and several accomplices surrounded Surya and attacked him with knives. The attackers allegedly stabbed him multiple times in the stomach and other parts of his body.
Victim Tried to Escape
The eyewitness said Surya tried to run away to save himself, but the attackers chased him through nearby lanes and continued the assault. He eventually collapsed unconscious between Gali No. 1 and Gali No. 2.
The boys shouted for help, drawing the attention of local residents. By the time people reached the scene, the attackers had already fled.
Surya’s brother rushed to the spot after receiving the information. Local residents helped take the injured teenager to a private hospital. Doctors later referred him to a hospital in Noida because of his critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Surya succumbed to his injuries on Friday.
Police Operation and Family’s Response
DCP Dhaval Jaiswal said police received information from an informer that Asad planned to collect money from a friend and escape from the city. Acting on the tip-off, police teams laid a trap and intercepted him.
According to the officer, Asad arrived on a motorcycle with another person. When police asked them to stop, Asad allegedly fired at the officers. Police returned fire, and a bullet struck him. A police constable also suffered injuries during the encounter.
Police recovered a pistol and a motorcycle from the spot. Four teams had been working to trace the accused.
Meanwhile, Surya’s mother Saroj said she wanted to see Asad’s photograph before fully believing reports of his death. She demanded similar action against all others involved in her son’s murder and called for strict punishment against every accused.
Political Reactions
The case sparked strong political reactions across UP. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that no murderer would be spared, regardless of identity. Mayawati also demanded strict action against those responsible.
The incident has intensified concerns over law and order in the state and remains under active investigation as police continue their search for the remaining suspects.
