The main accused in the murder of Hindu saint Milan Das in Unnao district of UP died in a police encounter late Sunday night. The accused, Israel alias Izrail, had been on the run since the murder. Police had announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Police said Israel opened fire on the team when officers tried to arrest him. He suffered bullet injuries during the exchange of fire and later died at a hospital. One police constable also sustained injuries.
Murder Triggered Tension in the Area
The case belongs to Ghure Tila town in Bangarmau Kotwali area. Baba Milan Das was constructing a Ram Temple on his land. Reports said he had a dispute with some members of another community over the use of a sound system at the temple.
On June 9, attackers stabbed Milan Das to death in broad daylight. The murder sparked tension in the area and drew widespread attention.
Five Accused Named in FIR
Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family, police registered a case against Israel, Yameen, Shanu, Mohammad Shafi and Lalli alias Ajay Gautam.
Police arrested four accused earlier and sent them to jail. However, Israel, identified as the main accused, remained at large.
Encounter Took Place Around 3:40 AM
Unnao Superintendent of Police Jaiprakash Singh said Bangarmau Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) were checking vehicles and suspicious persons on the service road near the Agra-Lucknow Expressway at around 3:40 am on Sunday night.
During the operation, police received information that Israel was waiting for an associate near the Tajpur underpass.
Opened Fire Instead of Surrendering
Police teams reached the spot, surrounded the accused and asked him to surrender. According to police, Israel refused and opened fire.
One bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of Sub-Inspector Newton Kumar Singh. SOG constable Vikas Bhadauria suffered a gunshot injury to his hand.
Police returned fire and injured Israel. Officers rushed him to the Bangarmau Community Health Centre, where doctors declared him dead.
Weapons Recovered
Police recovered a knife, a .315 bore country-made pistol, and two spent cartridges from the spot.
Authorities sent the body for post-mortem examination and started further legal proceedings.
