Notorious dacoit Ghanshyam killed in Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh) June18 (ANI): Notorious dacoit Ghanshyam Kewat alias Nanhu was shot dead by Uttar Pradesh police during a fierce three day gun battle in Jamauli village of Chitrakoot district.

Police surrounded the area three days ago after learning about the presence of the criminal and his gang.

Uttar Pradesh Police had announced a reward of 50,000 on Ghanshyam and on his gang.

Earlier, there were reports that the dacoits might have escaped the police dragnet.

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Vikram Singh said, the encounter is still on and is expected to continue till the evening.

Additional forces have been sent to the spot, which is around 120 kilometers from Allahabad.

Company commander PAC Beni Madhav Singh and Constables Shamim and Iqbal were killed in the encounter, while IG VK Gupta, DIG SK Singh and STF personnel Navendra Singh and Akram, Dileep Kumar Tiwari and Rajendra Singh were injured.

IG Gupta and DIG Singh who received bullet injuries in the lower abdomen were airlifted to Lucknow for treatment.

DGP Vikram Singh said, utmost care was being taken during the encounter to protect villagers, their property and livestock

The dacoits were using .303 rifles, double and single barrel of .312 bore and hand grenades, Singh said.

Singh said it was a "residual gang" of dacoit Baccha Kewat, who was killed earlier by police.

He said that teams of Special Task Force (STF), Special Operation Group (SOG), and police of the adjoining districts have been put on alert. (ANI)