Police in Aligarh said two alleged robbers accused of targeting women in robbery incidents were killed in an encounter after an operation launched hours after the reported crimes. According to police, the accused allegedly carried out robberies targeting women during the afternoon and were intercepted during an attempt to apprehend them.
Police said the accused allegedly snatched chains and other belongings from women before attempting to flee. Following the incidents, police launched an investigation and deployed multiple teams to trace the suspects.
According to Uttar Pradesh Police, information was received that the suspects were moving around the area on a motorcycle, after which checking operations were intensified. Police said the suspects opened fire when officers attempted to stop them during the evening.
Police said officers responded to the firing, and during the exchange of gunfire, the two alleged robbers sustained injuries. They were taken to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead.
Two police personnel were also injured during the encounter. Police said the injuries were sustained from gunfire and during efforts to pursue the suspects. The injured personnel have been admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Following the encounter in Aligarh, additional police personnel were deployed in the area. Senior officers inspected the site and questioned nearby residents.
Police said the criminal history of the deceased suspects is being examined, and preliminary investigation has raised suspicion of their involvement in multiple earlier cases.
Weapons, cartridges and a motorcycle were recovered from the site, police said. A forensic team collected evidence from the scene and an investigation into the sequence of events is underway.
The encounter has circulated widely on social media, with some users expressing support for the police action while others have called for an impartial investigation into the incident.
Officials of Uttar Pradesh Police said strict action would continue against those accused of endangering women's safety. Police appealed to the public not to pay attention to rumours and to immediately report any suspicious activity.
Experts said repeated incidents of robbery have increased the need for enhanced police patrolling and surveillance in cities. Incidents involving women being targeted in daylight contribute to a sense of insecurity among people.
