Cattle smuggler killed in STF encounter in UP’s Rampur

A most-wanted cattle smuggler, Zubair alias Kalia, carrying a bounty of Rs1 lakh on his head, was shot dead in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) late on Friday night.

According to officials, the STF received intelligence inputs about Zubair’s hideout in Rampur. Acting on the tip-off, STF teams launched a late-night operation and surrounded the area where he was believed to be hiding. After realising that he has been surrounded by the police, he opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory action.

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In the ensuing exchange of fire, Zubair sustained critical injuries. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Zubair was a notorious criminal with multiple cases registered against him, including the high-profile murder of a NEET aspirant in Gorakhpur. He had been absconding since the incident, and several police and STF teams were actively searching for him.

Confirming the encounter, Gorakhpur DIG Shivsimpay Channappa said that Zubair’s death marks a major breakthrough for law enforcement in the region. The ADG of Gorakhpur Zone had earlier announced a Rs1 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest.

Authorities are continuing to investigate Zubair’s network and possible links to organized crime in the region.