Shahjahanpur encounter: 2 wanted cow slaughter accused arrested, arms seized
Synopsis
A late-night tip-off led SOG and Kant Police to intercept two Gangster Act-listed criminals near Shahjahanpur's Madnapur-Kant road, where the accused allegedly opened fire before being overpowered. Illegal arms were seized, one accused was shot in both legs, and two accomplices remain at large — underscoring the persistence of organised cattle-crime networks in western UP.
Key Takeaways
Mohammad Shakir and Dharmveer , both residents of Bareilly district , were arrested in a police encounter in Shahjahanpur on 24 June .
Both carried cash rewards of ₹10,000 each and were booked under the Gangster Act , Arms Act , and cow slaughter-related offences.
Illegal country-made pistols, cartridges, and a mobile phone were recovered from the accused.
Shakir sustained bullet injuries to both legs during the encounter and was referred to the district hospital .
Two accomplices — Sanu and Anees — are absconding; police teams have been deployed to trace them.
A case has been registered at Kant Police Station and legal proceedings are underway.
Two wanted criminals accused in cow slaughter cases were arrested following a police encounter in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, on the night of 24 June, after a joint operation by the Special Operations Group (SOG), Surveillance Cell, and Kant Police. Both accused were carrying cash rewards of ₹10,000 each and were booked under the Gangster Act. Illegal country-made pistols, cartridges, and a mobile phone were recovered from their possession.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (City), Shahjahanpur, Devendra Kumar, a tip-off was received late Tuesday night that two wanted criminals were present near Jindon Wali Puliya on the Madnapur-Kant road and were allegedly preparing to carry out cow slaughter. A joint police team was immediately dispatched to the location.
On the arrival of police, some suspects fled the scene. Two of the accused allegedly opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliation. One accused, identified as Mohammad Shakir, sustained bullet injuries to both legs during the exchange. His accomplice, Dharmveer, was arrested after being surrounded. Both are residents of Bareilly district.
Criminal Background of the Accused
Police records indicate that both Shakir and Dharmveer are wanted in multiple criminal cases, including offences related to cow slaughter, the Gangster Act, the Arms Act, and attempted murder. During interrogation, the two allegedly confessed to involvement in cow slaughter activities alongside two other accomplices — identified as Sanu and Anees — who are currently absconding.
Medical Treatment and Legal Action
Shakir was initially administered first aid at the scene before being referred to the district hospital in Shahjahanpur for further treatment. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections at Kant Police Station, and legal proceedings are underway.
Search for Absconding Accused
Police teams have been deployed to trace and apprehend the remaining two accused, Sanu and Anees, who fled following the operation. This comes amid a broader crackdown on organised criminal networks in western Uttar Pradesh linked to cattle-related offences. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
Point of View
Suggesting prior intelligence failures in apprehending them through routine policing. The confession implicating two absconding accomplices raises the question of how long this network has operated undetected. Encounters as a primary enforcement tool also invite scrutiny over due process — a concern that courts have repeatedly flagged in UP's encounter-heavy policing record.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the two criminals arrested in the Shahjahanpur encounter?
The two arrested are Mohammad Shakir and Dharmveer , both residents of Bareilly district . They were wanted in multiple cases including cow slaughter, the Gangster Act, the Arms Act, and attempted murder, and each carried a cash reward of ₹10,000.
What triggered the police operation in Shahjahanpur on 24 June?
A tip-off received late Tuesday night indicated that the two wanted criminals were near Jindon Wali Puliya on the Madnapur-Kant road and were allegedly preparing to carry out cow slaughter. A joint team of SOG, Surveillance Cell, and Kant Police was deployed immediately.
What happened during the encounter?
When the police team arrived, some suspects fled while Shakir and Dharmveer allegedly opened fire. Police retaliated, injuring Shakir in both legs. Dharmveer was arrested after being surrounded. Illegal arms and a mobile phone were recovered from the scene.
Who are the absconding accused and what is the police doing about them?
The two absconding accomplices are identified as Sanu and Anees . The arrested accused allegedly named them during interrogation. Police teams have been deployed specifically to trace and arrest them.
What legal action has been taken after the Shahjahanpur encounter?
A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections at Kant Police Station in Shahjahanpur. Legal proceedings are underway, and Shakir is receiving treatment at the district hospital.
