A most wanted criminal was killed in a police encounter near Khubru village in the Ganaur area of Sonepat district on Monday morning. A head constable sustained a bullet injury during the exchange of fire.
Who Was the Criminal Killed in the Sonepat Encounter?
The deceased has been identified as Gopal alias Gopi, a resident of Atayal village in Sonepat district. According to NDTV, he had as many as 25 criminal cases registered against him at various police stations. These cases included four murders, attempt to murder, firing, and robbery.
How Did the Police Encounter Happen?
As per police, Gopal was roaming in the area with the intention to murder a person from his own village. A police team intercepted him following a tip-off. When the police tried to stop him, he opened fire. According to Hindustan Times, two bullets struck police vehicles, while another hit Head Constable Devender in the hand, leaving him injured. Police personnel retaliated in self-defence, and Gopal was killed in the exchange.
Senior Officials Visit the Encounter Site
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and Commissioner of Police Mamta Singh visited the encounter site. She later met the injured head constable at Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College, as reported by The Tribune.
Our Take: A Swift Action Against a Dangerous Criminal
This encounter shows the police's quick response to a credible threat. Gopal was not a petty criminal — with 25 cases including four murders, he posed a serious danger to the public. The fact that he was planning another murder when intercepted makes the police action timely. However, the injury to Head Constable Devender is a reminder of the risks police officers face daily. In our view, this operation was necessary to prevent further loss of life. The authorities must ensure the injured constable receives the best medical care.
