The Ghaziabad police on Saturday achieved a major breakthrough in the murder case of a teenager named Surya Chauhan (17) on Saturday, after they killed the key accused during an encounter in the city. The development brought about a dramatic twist in the case that had sparked widespread anger and demands for swift action across the region.

Officials aware of the case said the now-dead accused, identified as Asad, had been absconding after stabbing Chauhan along with his aides on Bakrid. As per police, they had been working to trace him.

Chauhan's family after he was killed (Right)

Tip-off leads cops to key accused

The investigating police personnel said that they received a tip-off about Asad planning to visit the Khora area to collect money before fleeing the city. Acting on the same, the Ghaziabad Police deployed a team in the area and established surveillance along the route Asad was expected to take.

On Saturday late night, the cops spotted two bike-borne men believed to be Asad and one of his accomplices. They intercepted the bike and deterred them from escaping. However, the situation escalated when Asad allegedly fired rounds on the team in a bid to evade arrest.

Exchange of fire leaves Asad injured

When the police retaliated in self-defence through gunshots, Asad sustained bullet wounds. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. A police constable was also injured during the exchange.

While the police constable was reported to be stable, Asad succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The police seized the bike, but the man accompanying Asad managed to escape amid the chaos.

According to police, they have launched an extensive manhunt to identify and nab the absconding accused. The cops said they are also examining links between the accomplice and Chauhan’s murder, while multiple police teams have been dispatched to several locations to trace the former’s whereabouts.