5 dacoits gunned down in UP

Lucknow, Sep 28 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Police today gunned down five dacoits of the notorious Dev Kumar gang, including its kingpin, in the ravines of Ayana area in Auraiyya district.

Three of the slain dacoits were identified as the gang leader Dev Kumar -- who carried a reward of Rs 10,000 on his head, Ram Sanjivan and a female bandit Ranno.

Two others outlaws were yet to be identified.

Addressing a news conference here this afternoon, ADG (Law and Order) Padman Singh said the joint operation by the Etawah and Auraiyya district police started around 0530 hrs.

Another dacoit identified as Lallan has also been arrested.

Following the operation, four people who had been kidnapped by the criminals from Jalaun district last December, were also freed.

Four .315 bore rifles were seized from the encounter spot.

Mr Singh said there were 10 active members of the Dev Kumar gang.

UNI SB/VS VD PM1754