Main Accused in Ghaziabad Teen Murder Killed in Police Encounter, Three More Arrested

BHARAT / Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: The main accused in the murder of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan was killed in a police encounter in the early hours of Sunday, bringing a dramatic development to a case that has sparked widespread public outrage in Ghaziabad. Authorities confirmed that the accused, identified as Asad, died after sustaining gunshot injuries during an exchange of fire with a joint police team conducting an operation to apprehend him.

The encounter occurred late Saturday night in the Trans-Hindon region, where officers from the Khoda and Indirapuram police stations had launched a coordinated search operation based on intelligence inputs regarding Asad’s whereabouts. Police officials stated that Asad had been absconding since the fatal stabbing of Surya Pratap Chauhan on May 28 and carried a reward of ₹50,000 on his arrest.

According to investigators, police received information suggesting that Asad was planning to leave the area after collecting money from associates. Acting on the tip-off, law enforcement personnel established checkpoints and intensified surveillance in suspected locations. When officers attempted to stop him, Asad allegedly opened fire on the police team.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City/Trans-Hindon) Dhaval Jaiswal said police personnel retaliated after coming under attack. During the exchange of fire, Asad sustained critical gunshot injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. One police officer was also injured during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment, officials said.

Police recovered a firearm and a motorcycle from the encounter site. The recovered items are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Murder That Shocked the City

The encounter comes just days after the brutal killing of Surya Pratap Chauhan, a 17-year-old resident of Ghaziabad’s Khoda area. The teenager was allegedly stabbed multiple times on May 28 following a dispute involving Asad and several associates.

According to police, the victim and the accused were known to one another and belonged to the same local social circle. Investigators believe tensions between the two groups had existed for several months before the fatal confrontation.

Family members of the victim have alleged that Surya was deliberately lured to the location where the attack took place. His sister claimed that he had received a phone call from acquaintances inviting him to join Eid celebrations.

“He was at home when he got a call asking him to come and celebrate Eid. He did not want to go initially, but they kept insisting. Eventually, he left with them,” she said.

According to the family, Surya arrived at the location believing it was a friendly gathering. Instead, he allegedly found himself surrounded by multiple individuals armed with knives.

The victim’s relatives allege that as many as seven people participated in the attack. They claim Surya attempted to flee and ran nearly 200 metres in an effort to save his life. However, the attackers allegedly chased him down and continued assaulting him.

Police said the teenager suffered multiple stab wounds before collapsing on the road. Believing that he had died, the accused reportedly fled the scene. Local residents later rushed him for medical treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Public Anger and Protests

The murder triggered significant public outrage across parts of Ghaziabad. Residents, community groups, and several Hindu organizations staged demonstrations demanding swift action against all those involved in the killing.

Protesters accused authorities of failing to prevent violent crime and called for immediate arrests. The case quickly gained attention on social media, where demands for justice intensified as details of the attack emerged.

In response, senior police officials formed multiple investigation teams and launched extensive search operations to trace the accused. Raids were conducted across several locations in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring areas as police pursued leads connected to the suspects.

Arrests and Investigation

Police initially arrested three accused shortly after the murder. However, Asad, identified as the principal accused, remained on the run for several days, prompting authorities to announce a cash reward for information leading to his capture.

Following Sunday’s encounter, investigators announced the arrest of three additional accused individuals: Nawab, Farhan, and Atif. Significantly, Nawab is Asad’s father and is alleged to have played an active role in events leading up to the murder.

According to police sources, interrogation of the arrested suspects has revealed new details about the planning and execution of the crime.

Farhan reportedly told investigators that the conflict originated from an argument between Asad and Surya earlier on the afternoon of May 28. After learning about the altercation, Farhan claimed that he and Nawab became involved and decided to confront the teenager.

Police said Farhan alleged during questioning that the group met Surya in the Navneet Vihar area at around 3:30 pm. Investigators claim Farhan admitted handing a knife to Asad before the confrontation escalated into violence.

Authorities further stated that Farhan alleged Nawab encouraged the attack, telling Asad to “finish his story today.” Investigators are now examining these statements alongside other evidence collected from witnesses, CCTV footage, and forensic examinations.

Legal Proceedings Continue

Despite the death of the main accused, police officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that legal action against the remaining suspects will continue. Authorities are also verifying whether additional individuals were involved in the attack and whether any conspiracy existed prior to the murder.

Senior officers have assured the victim’s family that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly investigated and that every person found responsible will face legal consequences.

The killing of Surya Pratap Chauhan and the subsequent police encounter have become one of the most closely watched criminal cases in Uttar Pradesh in recent days. While the death of the primary accused marks a significant development, investigators continue to focus on establishing the full sequence of events and determining the role played by each accused individual.

As public attention remains fixed on the case, police are expected to file additional charges and present further evidence in court against those arrested, while continuing efforts to identify any remaining suspects linked to the fatal attack.