Wanted criminal held after encounter

Lucknow, Jan 17: Police nailed down a wanted criminal, carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, after an encounter in Ghazipur area of Uttar Pradesh today.

SSP Akhil Kumar said acting on a tip-off about the presence of the criminal, cops cordoned off the area. On being challenged, the accused opened fire and in the ensuing encounter, history-sheeter Pankaj Kumar Prajapati was nabbed. A pistol and several cartridges were recovered from his possession.

The hardcore criminal was wanted in connection with 18 murder and loot cases in Lucknow, Unnao, Jaunpur, Rae Bareli and Kanpur. The police team had been rewarded with Rs 2,500 for accomplishing his arrest.

UNI