Bounty Hunter’s End: Wanted Criminal Killed in Etah Police Encounter
A notorious criminal with a Rs 1 lakh reward was killed in a gunfight with Etah police after a major jewelry heist.
In a high-stakes operation on Tuesday evening, October 27, 2026, the Etah police neutralized a notorious criminal during a violent gunfight. The deceased, identified as Virendra, was a high-profile target who carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, having been linked to a string of serious crimes across multiple districts.
The Fatal Confrontation
The encounter unfolded near the Sunna canal, falling under the jurisdiction of the Pilua police station. A joint team comprising officers from the Kotwali Nagar and Pilua police stations had been conducting strategic vehicle checks in the area to curb criminal activity.
During these checks, police intercepted Virendra and an unidentified accomplice, who were traveling on a stolen motorcycle. Instead of surrendering, the duo opened fire on the police personnel, triggering a fierce exchange of bullets. In the retaliatory fire, Virendra sustained critical gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the medical college, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The clash was not without cost for the law enforcement team; Constable Satyapal of the Pilua police station was injured during the shootout. Meanwhile, taking advantage of the chaos, Virendra's accomplice managed to evade capture and escaped from the scene.
A History of Crime
Virendra, a resident of Harchandpur in Mainpuri, was far from a petty offender. He was a seasoned criminal with a staggering 53 criminal cases registered against him across various districts. His notoriety had grown to the point that the Additional Director General of Police, Agra, had officially declared a Rs 1 lakh bounty for his capture just two days prior, on October 25.
The Rs 56 Lakh Jewelry Heist
The intensity of the police search for Virendra was fueled by a daring robbery that took place on October 22. In that incident, three assailants on motorcycles targeted Sanjay Yadav, a jeweler from Purahar village in Aliganj, looting gold and silver ornaments worth approximately Rs 56 lakh.
Etah Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Elamaran revealed that Virendra had been pinpointed as a primary suspect in this heist. The breakthrough came after police meticulously analyzed CCTV footage and conducted extensive surveillance, which led them to his trail.
The Manhunt Continues
While the death of Virendra marks a significant blow to the criminal network in the region, the operation is not yet complete. SSP Dr. Elamaran confirmed that the police are still actively pursuing the unidentified accomplice who fled during the encounter. Investigations remain ongoing to bring the remaining suspect to justice.