A targeted operation by the Garhmukteshwar Kotwali police in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district culminated in a fierce gunfight, resulting in the arrest of six individuals involved in an illicit cattle slaughter syndicate. The confrontation unfolded during routine patrol and surveillance checks after law enforcement received actionable intelligence about criminal activity in the vicinity. Upon being intercepted, the armed gang opened fire on the police personnel in a desperate bid to escape. In self-defence, officers returned fire, injuring three suspects with bullet wounds while swiftly cordoning off the perimeter to apprehend three other fleeing accomplices.
Ambush in Mango Orchard Near Pavti Village
The operation was initiated following a specific tip-off from an informant indicating that several suspects had assembled in a mango orchard near Pavti village to slaughter cattle illegally. Acting without delay, the Garhmukteshwar police mobilised and cordoned off the entire forested perimeter. As officers closed in on the hideout, the criminals realized they were trapped and discharged firearms directly at the team. The tactical response from the police neutralised the attack and forced the remaining gang members to surrender on the spot.
Suspects Identified Across Western UP
The three individuals who sustained gunshot wounds were identified as Naeem from Hapur town, Jameel from Dehli Gate in Meerut, and Bilal from Masuri in Ghaziabad. The police team also detained three other key associates from the scene: Mohammad Parvej from Lisari Gate in Meerut, Sonu from Garhmukteshwar, and Aahat from Masuri in Ghaziabad. The three injured suspects were promptly moved under police custody to a nearby government medical facility for necessary medical treatment.
Seizure of Live Cattle, Firearms and Vehicles
A search of the crime scene led to the rescue of one live cow that the gang had tied up for slaughter. Furthermore, police recovered three illegal 315-bore country-made pistols, three live cartridges, and three spent shell casings left behind after the shooting. Specialized tools and implements used for animal slaughter were also seized from the site. Officers confiscated two getaway vehicles: a Honda City car bearing Delhi registration plates and a Passion motorcycle. Initial findings reveal that the syndicate utilized the sedan and two-wheeler to ferry meat across regional supply routes and ensure a swift exit after executing the crimes.
Extensive Criminal Record Spanning Multiple Districts
A deeper background check revealed that the captured gang members are habitual offenders with extensive crime sheets. Nearly four dozen criminal cases are registered against them across multiple jurisdictions, including Hapur, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar, Kushinagar, and several police stations across the neighbouring state of Haryana. Their past records involve serious charges such as cow slaughter, attempt to murder, theft, the Gangster Act, and the Arms Act. Garhmukteshwar police have booked all six accused under relevant statutory provisions and initiated comprehensive legal proceedings.
