UP denies recent spate of encounters a PR exercise

Lucknow, Sep 14 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government today scoffed at suggestions that the recent spate of encounters was a public relations exercise on the administration's part ahead of the coming Assembly polls even as it increased the reward on wanted criminals.

Principal Secretary (Home) S K Aggarwal said the police was doing its work and the encounters were part of its efforts to tighten noose around criminals.

Mr Aggarwal and state DGP Bua Singh were addressing a joint press conference here on the killing of a history sheeter in Basti district. He said the government has also deciced to increase the reward on wanted criminals. ''The increased rewards would help motivate the police,'' he added.

Sunil alias Sanjay Kol, the most wanted Naxal leader of Uttar Pradesh carries a reward of Rs one lakh on his head. Another Naxal, Kamlesh Chaudhury, also carries the reward of the same amount on his head.

Munna alias Bajrangi, wanted in connection with the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanad Rai now carries Rs two lakh on his head.

Similarly, notorious outlaw Shiv Kumar alias Dadua, wanted for the past 34 years now carries a reward of Rs five lakh. Another dacoit Satyapal alias Sapola would fetch Rs one lakh to those who kill him.

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