Wanted Criminal with ₹1 Lakh Bounty Killed in Encounter by UP STF and Mainpuri Police

In a coordinated operation on Tuesday morning, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Uttar Pradesh Police, in collaboration with the Mainpuri district police, neutralized a wanted criminal identified as Jitendra, also known as Jeetu, during an encounter in the Elaau area of Mainpuri district.

The accused carried a bounty of ₹1 lakh on his head and had been evading arrest for an extended period.

Jitendra, a resident of Paharpur village in Hathras district, had a long criminal history. According to official records, he was involved in at least 12 serious criminal cases.

These included three cases of murder, two cases of attempted murder, and several other charges related to violent and unlawful activities. His name had figured prominently on the police’s list of most-wanted criminals in the region.

The encounter unfolded when police units received intelligence inputs about Jitendra’s movements. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a team comprising STF personnel and Mainpuri police officers tracked him to the Elaau locality. He was reportedly travelling on a motorcycle at the time.

As the police attempted to intercept him, Jitendra allegedly opened fire in a bid to flee the scene. In response, the police returned fire. During the exchange of gunfire, Jitendra sustained bullet injuries.

He was immediately taken to the district hospital in Mainpuri for emergency medical attention, but doctors later declared him dead on arrival.

Following the shootout, the police recovered a country-made .32-bore pistol from the scene, along with several live and spent cartridges. A motorcycle believed to have been used by Jitendra was also seized as part of the evidence.

Law enforcement officials stated that this operation was part of a broader and ongoing initiative to clamp down on hardened criminals who pose a threat to public safety and order across various districts in Uttar Pradesh.

The elimination of Jitendra, who had remained a menace in Hathras and adjoining areas, marks a significant development in the state police’s campaign against organized crime and violent offenders.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continue such coordinated actions and assured the public that efforts will not waver in bringing fugitives and habitual offenders to justice.