The main accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri gangrape case, Talib alias Azam (26), was killed in a police encounter in Sultanpur on Monday, 21 days after the crime was reported. Police officials confirmed that the accused, who was carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh, was neutralized during a joint operation by the Lakhimpur Kheri and Sultanpur police teams.
According to police sources, Talib had been absconding since December 15, when a Class 12 student was allegedly gangraped in the Fardhan police station area of Lakhimpur Kheri district. Despite continuous search operations, the accused managed to evade arrest until intelligence inputs led police to his location in Sultanpur.
Encounter Near Diyara Bridge
The encounter took place near Diyara Bridge under Lambhua police station limits. Acting on specific inputs regarding Talib’s movement, police teams laid a trap to apprehend him. During the operation, Talib allegedly opened fire at the police personnel in an attempt to escape.
Police retaliated in self-defense, during which Talib sustained critical injuries. He was first taken to CHC Lambhua and later referred to the Sultanpur District Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police Statement
Sultanpur Superintendent of Police Kunwar Anupam Singh briefed the media, stating:
“We received credible information about the movement of the wanted criminal Talib alias Azam Khan, son of Gaffar Khan. When police attempted to arrest him, he fired at the team. In retaliatory firing, he was injured and later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.”
The SP further confirmed that Talib was a resident of the Fardhan police station area and had 17 criminal cases registered against him, including serious charges related to sexual assault.
Background of the Case
The gangrape incident occurred on December 15, when a 12th-grade student was allegedly abducted while on her way to coaching classes. According to the victim’s statement, three men forcibly took her to a nearby sugarcane field and sexually assaulted her.
Two other accused in the case had earlier been arrested following separate police encounters. Talib was identified as the main accused and had been on the run since the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Police officials stated that further legal procedures will continue, and all aspects of the encounter will be investigated as per protocol. The incident has once again brought focus on crimes against women and the urgency of swift law enforcement action.
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