Hathras: Two youths arrested in connection with an alleged fake encounter following a robbery attempt in Hathras have been released from jail after an inquiry revealed “shortcomings” in the case, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The accused, Omveer alias Sonu and Deva alias Suryadev Singh, residents of Barakala village in Aligarh’s Iglas area, were initially apprehended following a reported robbery at a trader’s house in the Mursan police station area on October 9. Police had claimed that both were arrested after a “brief encounter,” during which one of them was reportedly shot in the leg. Authorities also stated that two country-made pistols, three cartridges, and a motorcycle were recovered.
Families of the accused alleged that the encounter was staged and demanded a thorough investigation, meeting the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to press for action.
Following preliminary findings, SP Chiranjeev Nath Sinha suspended the then SHO, Mamta Singh, and Anti-Theft Team in-charge Inspector Mukesh Kumar for negligence, and handed over the investigation to Sadar SDM Rajbahadur Singh and Circle Officer Yogendra Krishna Narayan.
After a detailed probe, investigators found no substantial evidence against the two youths. The final report submitted to the court confirmed that “no concrete evidence was found against the youths in the cases filed by both the trader and the police,” leading to their release on Friday.
Officials stated that a magisterial inquiry is ongoing to examine the incident further and ensure accountability.