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Encounter in Unnao: STF Guns Down Sultanpur Robbery Suspect Anuj Pratap Singh

On September 23, 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) engaged in a high-profile encounter in Unnao, resulting in the death of Anuj Pratap Singh, a key suspect in the Sultanpur jewellery heist.

This operation, following weeks of intense investigation, became another flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh’s ongoing law enforcement strategy of eliminating alleged criminals through encounters, a method often criticized as “extrajudicial.” The case of Anuj Pratap Singh, part of a larger robbery investigation, has not only ignited political debates but also brought attention to the STF’s robust yet controversial methods of combating crime.

Background: The Sultanpur Jewellery Heist

The roots of the Unnao encounter lie in a daring jewellery store robbery that occurred on August 28, 2024, in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. A group of armed criminals stormed into Bharat Jewellers in Sultanpur’s Thatheri market, making off with jewellery worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore. The robbery, committed in broad daylight, shocked the local community and became a high-priority case for the Uttar Pradesh police.

As the investigation unfolded, the STF identified several suspects, including Mangesh Yadav and Anuj Pratap Singh. On September 5, the STF gunned down Yadav in another encounter, claiming that he had opened fire on police officers during an attempt to apprehend him. The incident stirred controversy, as opposition leaders questioned the legitimacy of the encounter. The recent death of Singh has only added to the growing debate surrounding law enforcement tactics in Uttar Pradesh.

The Unnao Encounter: Details and Execution

In the early hours of September 23, the STF received intelligence on the whereabouts of Anuj Pratap Singh. A team from Lucknow tracked Singh to the Achalganj police station area in Unnao. According to official reports, Singh and an associate were cornered by the STF, leading to a confrontation. The STF claims that Singh opened fire, prompting officers to retaliate. Singh was critically injured in the exchange and was taken to a government hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His associate reportedly managed to escape, sparking a manhunt.

Additional Director General of Police (STF), Amitabh Yash, stated that the STF followed protocol during the operation and that legal and forensic procedures were being followed post-encounter. Yash emphasized that Singh was a dangerous criminal involved in a major heist and that his elimination was necessary to maintain law and order in the state.

Political Reactions and Public Debate

The Unnao encounter has reignited a familiar debate in Uttar Pradesh regarding the use of extrajudicial encounters by law enforcement. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav was quick to criticize the STF’s methods, claiming that the government was using “encounters” as a tool to project an image of strength and control. Yadav argued that many of those killed in these encounters were from disadvantaged backgrounds and that the state was failing to uphold proper legal processes.

Yadav’s criticism mirrors the opposition’s stance on previous encounters, where several political leaders have accused the Yogi Adityanath-led government of promoting a “trigger-happy” police culture. The Congress party has also expressed concerns over the increasing number of encounter killings in the state, calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding these deaths.

However, supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath argue that such encounters are a necessary evil in the fight against crime. Uttar Pradesh, known for its notorious gang culture and high crime rates, has seen a series of tough law enforcement measures under Adityanath’s tenure. His government has often highlighted encounters as proof of their commitment to public safety, claiming that these operations target hardened criminals who threaten law and order.

The Broader Context: Encounters in Uttar Pradesh

The encounter in Unnao is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has seen a sharp rise in the number of police encounters, with over 10,000 encounters reported since 2017, resulting in more than 180 deaths. The state government has repeatedly defended its actions, stating that these encounters are conducted in self-defense when criminals resist arrest or engage in violence.

However, human rights organizations and opposition parties have raised concerns over the legality and morality of these operations. Critics argue that many encounters lack transparency, with little to no independent oversight. Allegations of fake encounters, where suspects are killed without due process, have further fueled the controversy. In many cases, families of those killed have accused the police of fabricating evidence and staging encounters to eliminate political or personal rivals.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

While law enforcement agencies claim that encounters are carried out in self-defense, legal experts argue that such killings undermine the justice system. In a functioning democracy, every accused individual is entitled to a fair trial, and police encounters can violate the fundamental right to life guaranteed by the Constitution. The lack of judicial oversight in many encounter cases has led to calls for stricter accountability and an independent body to investigate all encounter-related deaths.

The Unnao encounter adds to the growing list of such incidents in Uttar Pradesh, raising urgent questions about the balance between maintaining law and order and upholding human rights. As public opinion remains divided, the government faces increasing pressure to demonstrate that its methods are lawful and justifiable, particularly in cases where the use of deadly force is involved.

Conclusion

The encounter in Unnao represents a pivotal moment in Uttar Pradesh’s crime-fighting strategy. While supporters of the state government applaud the elimination of dangerous criminals, critics argue that encounters undermine the rule of law and disproportionately affect the marginalized. As the debate continues, the challenge for the Yogi Adityanath administration will be to address concerns over the legitimacy of its law enforcement tactics while maintaining its tough stance on crime.

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