In UP cops’ killing, search for mole as arrested man talks of plan leak

www.mangaloretoday.com

UP, July 5, 2020: All the staff of a police station in Uttar Pradesh, where 8 policemen were shot down by Vikas Dubey and his gang on Friday are suspected of leaking information to the notorious criminal.

Daya Shankar Agnihotri (42) an associate of Vikas Dubey who was arrested today, has told the police that his boss received information from the police about the impending arrest, after which he called in reinforcements and ambushed the 50-member police team.

An employee of a local power station has said power was disconnected in the area after orders from the top, indicating a conspiracy. The station in-charge of the Chaubepur police station has been suspended and is being questioned by the police.

Daya Shankar was held after a brief encounter at Kalyanpur area in the wee hours of the day, police said. Shankar suffered a bullet injury on his left leg and was later admitted to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government today increased the reward on prime accused Dubey’s head from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

A reward of Rs 25,000 was also announced for all the 20 persons who have been booked along with the main accused in the FIR. Raids are underway to nab the culprits.

Inspector General, Kanpur Range, Mohit Agarwal said, “Daya Shankar was named in the FIR and police had declared a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head. He is a close associate of Vikas Dubey and had also fired on the police party.”

Shankar used to move around with Dubey, police said. His family, including his wife Rekha and two sons, stay at Dubey’s house, they added.

Police are also trying to check if Shankar has any criminal record. “We have not found any case against him so far,” an officer said.

Acting on a tip off, police on Sunday morning tried to nab Shankar in Kalyanpur area of the city. At around 4.30 am, the cops spotted Shankar on a motorcycle and signaled him to stop. Shankar opened fire and tried to escape but the police retaliated. Shankar got injured in the gun battle, police said.