A notorious criminal, who was synonymous with terror in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, was silenced in the wee hours of Tuesday in an encounter near Motijheel Pahadiya, six days after he escaped from police custody in an Aligarh court.
The police from both the States had launched a manhunt for him. He had been involved in heinous offences like murder, robbery and abduction cases.
Sameer Jat was carrying a total reward of Rs50,000 announced by the two States. His accomplice managed to flee under cover of darkness.
Sources said that during routine vehicle checking in view of the upcoming Independence Day, when the police personnel stopped a car, Jat, who was hiding inside, opened fire on the cops.
On receipt of information, more police force reached the spot and an exchange of fire took place for a few minutes, in which Jat was gunned down.
However, while talking to mediapersons, Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh said, "A tip-off was received that the duo was about to enter this divisional headquarters through the Old Cantonment. Several teams were formed and the route cordoned off. Jat and his friend were observed approaching on a motorbike.” After seeing the men in khaki, the criminal swerved towards Motijheel hill. The personnel pursued the vehicle and told him to surrender but Jat opened fire. Retaliatory action killed him on the spot, Singh claimed.
According to police records, the goon hailed from Aligarh district and entered the world of crime at a tender age in order to avenge his father's murder. He committed dozens of homicides, attempts to murder, abduction, loot and dacoity in Gwalior and Chambal divisions besides Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.