Wanted criminal gunned down

Lucknow, July 21 (UNI) Police gunned down a wanted criminal in an encounter in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh.

The slain criminal, carrying a reward of Rs 2500, was identified as Rashid of Kairana area, Muzaffarnagar district, police today said.

During a routine vehicle checking drive late last night at Baghpat trisection, some people driving a car without a number plate tried to escape firing at the police party.

However, the car hit a divider and the assailants were forced to alight the vehicle.

In the ensuing encounter, Rashid sustained grievous wounds and was taken to hospital, where he succumbed.

However, his two aides managed to escape.

Rashid had several criminal cases registered against him in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar district, besides in Panipat district of Haryana, according to police.

A pistol and several cartridges were recovered from the spot.

UNI