Wanted Bawaria gang member shot dead in Ghaziabad encounter, 3 cops injured
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A wanted member of the Bawaria gang, carrying a cumulative police reward of ₹1 lakh, was shot dead in a police encounter in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, officials said. Three police personnel sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
How the Operation Unfolded
The encounter took place in the Nivadi police station area of Ghaziabad, when a Crime Branch team operating under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) launched a targeted operation based on intelligence inputs regarding the movement of Bawaria gang members in the area. Upon locating the suspects, the police team came under fire, triggering a gunfight.
The slain criminal has been identified as Dharmendra, alias 'Tiddi', a wanted operative of the gang. According to officials, Dharmendra sustained serious injuries during the exchange of fire and was subsequently declared dead.
The Bounty and Criminal Background
Dharmendra had been carrying a reward of ₹50,000 announced by Ghaziabad Police and an identical ₹50,000 announced by Meerut Police, bringing his total bounty to ₹1 lakh. The dual reward, across two police districts, underscores the extent of his alleged criminal activity in the region. Further details regarding the specific criminal cases registered against him, his full criminal history, and any recoveries made during the operation are awaited from authorities.
Police Casualties and Condition
Three police personnel were injured in the operation and were transported to a hospital for treatment. As of the time of reporting, their identities, the nature of their injuries, and their current medical condition had not been officially disclosed, according to available information. A detailed official statement from the police is expected.
Context: The Bawaria Gang in Western UP
The Bawaria gang has long been on the radar of police forces across western Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring districts of Haryana and Rajasthan, with members reportedly involved in robbery, burglary, and violent crime. Encounters involving wanted Bawaria operatives have periodically been reported across the region, with multiple active warrants and district-level bounties a common enforcement tool used by local police. This encounter draws further attention given that two separate police districts had independently placed rewards on Dharmendra, signalling coordinated inter-district surveillance of his movements.