Shoe trader's killer gunned down by cops in Varanasi

Varanasi, June 28 (UNI) Police gunned down a wanted criminal involved in the recent killing of a shoe trader in the Lehangpura area.

Police said here today Raju Totla, a criminal carrying a reward of Rs 2,500 on his head was killed in an encounter in Lehertara area last night.

A pistol, live cartridges and a motor cycle was recovered from the spot.

An aide of Raju Totla, however, managed to escape.

The slain criminal hailing from Lohta area of Varanasi, was wanted in connection with at least six cases of loot, dacoity and murder, including the recent killing of shoe trader Istiaq in the Lehangpura area, police added.

In major success, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of District Police had yesterday gunned down three wanted criminals -- all carrying rewards of Rs 5,000 each -- in separate encounters within a span of eight hours.

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