Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh)/Patna: Mohammad Zahid, the prime suspect in the killing of two Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawans, was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) and local police in Ghazipur early on Monday. The encounter occurred around 1 AM when Zahid was riding a bike with an accomplice. Upon being surrounded by the STF and police, Zahid opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response from police, officials said.
Zahid was shot in the chest and collapsed immediately. He was transported to a district hospital, where he was pronounced dead by doctors. His accomplice managed to escape amid the chaos.
Zahid was identified as the main accused in the tragic incident that took place on August 20, when RPF jawans Javed Khan and Pramod Kumar were killed aboard the Guwahati Express and their bodies discarded from the moving train. Reports indicate that the jawans were targeted after they attempted to prevent liquor smuggling operations.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Iraj Raja confirmed that the encounter took place in the Dildarnagar area of the Gopalpur police station. “Upon seeing himself surrounded, Zahid fired at the STF team, resulting in his injuries. He was initially taken to CHC Bhadaura for treatment but later referred to the district hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” SP Raja stated. A pistol was recovered from Zahid at the spot.
STF यूनिट नोएडा कोतवाली गहमर व GRP दिलदारनगर पुलिस की संयुक्त टीम द्वारा आरपीएफ जवानों की हत्या में शामिल 100000/- रुपये के इनामिया बदमाश के साथ थाना दिलदारनगर क्षेत्रान्तर्गत हुई मुठभेड़ के संबंध में #spgzr महोदय की बाइट(1)@Uppolice @IgRangeVaranasi @adgzonevaranasi pic.twitter.com/lCHVw8Z1In
— Ghazipur Police (@ghazipurpolice) September 23, 2024
The operation involved a joint effort from the Noida unit of the STF, the Government Railway Police (GRP) Dildarnagar, and the Ghazipur police. During the encounter, two policemen were injured and are currently receiving treatment at a community health center.
Zahid, a resident of Phulwari Sharif in Patna, faced multiple charges, including kidnapping, assault, and liquor smuggling. He was booked in the murders of the two RPF jawans, prompting a comprehensive investigation that has so far led to six arrests related to the case.
The family members of Zahid reported that UP police visited their home just four days prior in search of Zahid. UP police had previously issued a notice to ascertain Zahid’s criminal history.
The night of the murder, the two RPF jawans had boarded the Guwahati Express from Mughalsarai Junction to Mokama, Bihar, but failed to reach their destination. Following concerns raised by the RPF Commandant at DDU station (Mughalsarai), a search was initiated. Their bodies were discovered the next day near Bakaniya village in Gahmar, one victim fully clothed while the other was partially undressed.
