Lucknow: In a dramatic encounter in Banthara, Lucknow, police arrested Rajendra Kumar alias Babu Kushwaha, a wanted criminal with a ₹25,000 bounty, in connection with a gang-rape case involving a minor Dalit girl. The accused was injured during the encounter after opening fire on the police team. Two other suspects in the case had already been taken into custody.
The incident dates back to October 11, when police registered a case under BNS and POCSO Act following the gang-rape of a minor in the Banthara area. On Thursday night, the Banthara police, along with the Southern Zone surveillance team, were conducting a routine check near Harouni Chowki on the Bhattgaon-Pandey to Hullaskheda route. A suspicious individual refused to stop and fired at the officers, who returned fire, injuring him in the leg.
The injured suspect, identified as Rajendra Kumar of Harouni village, was immediately taken to CHC Sarojini Nagar for medical treatment. His criminal record includes multiple cases under theft and gambling laws. Police recovered a pistol, one live cartridge, and two empty cartridges from his possession.
Earlier, on October 12, police had arrested accused Lalit Kashyap during an encounter, while another suspect, Meraj, was also taken into custody. All three accused are residents of Harouni village. Police are continuing intense questioning and a detailed investigation into the case.
