Notorious criminal shot dead in police encounter in Meerut

A wanted criminal was killed in an encounter with the police in Meerut on Monday (October 13, 2025). The accused, Shahzad alias Nikki, 35, a resident of Mohammadpur Sakist village, had seven cases registered against him, including charges of rape.

"Shahzad, who had been evading arrest for nine months, and had a reward of ₹25,000 placed on him, was shot after he opened fire on the police during a routine inspection. The encounter took place near Sardhana-Binoli road in the Sarurpur police station area," Vipin Tada, Senior Superintendent of Police, said.

A bullet hit a policeman's bulletproof vest before officers fired back in self-defence, wounding Shahzad, the police said. He was quickly taken to the district hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The police have recovered one mobile phone, one motorcycle, one pistol, and six bullets.

The accused was wanted in connection with the recent rape of a five-year-old girl. He had previously been jailed for another sexual assault and had threatened the victim’s family on Saturday night, demanding they withdraw the case, even firing shots at their home. Police had been searching for him since the incident.