NewsFlash Daily™
20 April 
Weeks after a four-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Ghaziabad, police shot dead the wanted accused Jaseem alias Chhotu during an encounter near the Bantla canal after he allegedly opened fire
Ghaziabad: In a major breakthrough in one of Uttar Pradesh’s most shocking recent crimes, the main accused in the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl was killed in a police encounter late Sunday night in Ghaziabad.
The accused, identified as Jaseem alias Chhotu, had been absconding since the brutal incident and was the subject of an intensive manhunt by police. Authorities had also announced a Rs. 50,000 cash reward for information leading to his arrest.
According to police officials, Jaseem was traced near the Bantla Canal Cut area. When a police team moved in to arrest him, he allegedly opened fire, leading to a retaliatory encounter in which he was critically injured.
He was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The accused was a relative of the Victim
Investigators revealed that the accused was related to the victim and was referred to as her uncle. The four-year-old child had gone missing from her home on April 11 while her parents, who work as daily wage labourers, were away for work.
Police said the accused allegedly lured the child by offering food and took her away from the house.
He then reportedly took the girl to a rented room where he had shifted only a month ago. After sexually assaulting the child, he allegedly murdered her.
The child’s body was later recovered near a parked vehicle in the locality, sparking outrage across the region.
“He was declared wanted immediately after evidence confirmed his role,” a senior officer said.
Police Team Injured, Illegal Weapon Recovered
During the encounter, two police constables were also injured and were sent for treatment.
Police said they recovered an illegal pistol and live cartridges from the accused.
Officials further stated that Jaseem had a criminal history and was originally a resident of Muzaffarnagar.
Two Associates Escape, Search Intensifies
Police also confirmed that two suspected associates escaped from the scene during the operation. Raids are underway to locate and arrest them.
The case had triggered widespread anger, with citizens demanding immediate action and strict punishment.
With the death of the main accused, police are now focusing on uncovering whether others helped him hide after the crime.
