Ghaziabad: The main accused in the murder of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan was killed in a police encounter late Saturday night, bringing a significant development in a case that has sparked widespread public anger and demands for swift justice across Ghaziabad. Asad, who had been absconding since the incident and carried a reward of ₹50,000 on his arrest, died after sustaining gunshot injuries during an exchange of fire with police personnel.
The case relates to the fatal stabbing of Surya Pratap Chauhan in the Khoda area of Ghaziabad on May 28, coinciding with the festival of Bakrid. According to police, Chauhan was allegedly attacked by Asad and his associates in a violent assault that left him critically injured. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
The shocking nature of the crime triggered widespread outrage among local residents, community groups, and the victim’s family. Protests were organized in several areas, with demonstrators demanding the immediate arrest of all those involved in the teenager’s killing. The incident also drew attention from political leaders, who called for stringent legal action against the accused.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (City/Trans-Hindon) Dhaval Jaiswal stated that five individuals had been named in connection with the case. Three accused were arrested shortly after the incident, while Asad managed to evade capture and remained on the run for several days. To facilitate his arrest, police announced a cash reward of ₹50,000 and formed multiple teams to track him down.
According to officials, police received intelligence inputs indicating that Asad was planning to flee the area after collecting money from associates. Acting on the information, teams from the Khoda and Indirapuram police stations launched a joint operation and established barricades at strategic locations.
Police said that during the operation, Asad was spotted travelling on a motorcycle with an accomplice. When officers attempted to stop him, he allegedly opened fire on the police team. The police retaliated, and Asad sustained serious gunshot injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. A police officer was also injured in the exchange of fire and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities recovered a motorcycle and a firearm from the encounter site. Meanwhile, Asad’s associate reportedly escaped during the operation, prompting police to launch a combing operation to locate and arrest him.
The victim’s family has continued to demand strict action against every individual involved in the crime. Surya Pratap Chauhan’s mother expressed dissatisfaction until all accused are brought to justice, insisting that those responsible for her son’s death should face the harshest consequences permitted under the law.
The murder has been widely condemned by political leaders and members of the public. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya had earlier assured that the perpetrators would not be spared and would face severe legal action. BSP chief Mayawati also described the killing as deeply disturbing and called for strict punishment for those responsible.
As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies remain focused on apprehending the remaining accused and completing the legal process. Authorities have stated that further legal proceedings are underway and that all remaining suspects will be pursued in accordance with the law.
