Hardcore criminal killed

Bhiwani (Har), Feb 2 (PTI) A hardcore criminal, who wasan accused in the murder case of an ex-chairman of a MunicipalCouncil, was killed in an encounter with police in Rajasthan''sDholpur district.

Rajesh alias Badri, carrying a reward of Rs five lakhon his head, was killed in a shootout with a team of Rajasthanand Haryana Police yesterday, officials said.

He was an accused in the murder case of an ex-chairmanof Bhiwani Municipal Council, Nand Lal Chawla, who was shotdead on June 23, 2006.

Rajesh was also wanted in several cases of murder inHaryana, the officials said.

His accomplice Tara, wanted in several cases in UttarPradesh and Madhya Pradesh, escaped during the shootout, theysaid.