A Class 11 student was killed in Ghaziabad after being stabbed during an altercation in Khoda Colony, police said, and the main accused in the case was later shot dead in a police encounter late Saturday night. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Surya Pratap, was attacked on Thursday evening near Sharma Dairy and died on Friday afternoon from injuries sustained in the assault.
According to police, the accused, Asad, had been wanted in connection with the killing. Officials said they received information on Saturday that Asad was planning to meet associates in the Khoda police station area and intended to flee after collecting money from them. Acting on the tip-off, police teams set up checkpoints and searched the area to intercept him.
Police said Asad arrived on a motorcycle with one of his associates, and when officers tried to stop them, the two allegedly opened fire. In retaliatory firing by the police, Asad was hit and later taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries. A constable was also injured in the exchange and is receiving treatment. Police said Asad’s motorcycle and the pistol used in the firing were recovered, and further investigation is underway.
Surya Pratap, a resident of Navneet Vihar in Khoda Colony, was a student at a private school. In a complaint to police, his elder brother Yash said Surya was attacked by Asad with the intent to kill. He said Surya had been with his friends Ayush and Vicky when they encountered Asad in a lane. Yash alleged that Asad started arguing with Surya, used abusive language and stabbed him four times in the abdomen. Family members rushed him to a nearby private hospital, but he could not survive.
A friend, Vicky, told police that Surya had earlier been invited by a local youth in connection with Bakrid. According to Vicky, Surya, along with Vicky and Ayush, went to the accused’s locality, where a conversation turned into a confrontation. Vicky alleged that Asad asked Surya, “Tumne kabhi bakra halal hote dekha hai?” Surya reportedly replied “Nahi,” after which Asad allegedly said, “Aao dikhate hain.” Vicky said that when Surya tried to leave, the accused began abusing and attacking him, leading to the stabbing.
Police are continuing legal proceedings and investigating both the stabbing and the subsequent encounter. The case has drawn attention in the area after the teenager’s death and the accused’s death in police action.
