UP: Murder suspect in custody shot dead by police

Giridhari Vishwakarma was the main suspect in the murder of gangster Ajit Singh. Police said he was shot and killed when he tried to snatch a policeman's gun.

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): Giridhari Vishwakarma, the main accused in the murder of gangster Ajit Singh last month in Lucknow, was shot dead by police at 2.30 a.m. on Monday when he tried to flee from custody.

The police spokesman said they were taking Giridhari to Kharagpur area in Vibhuti Khand in Gomti Nagar to retrieve the weapon used in the Ajit Singh murder on January 6, when the accused shoved aside a sub-inspector, snatched his revolver and tried to flee at the railway crossing.

Other members of the police team chased Giridhari and shot him.

The police took an injured Giridhari to the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital where he was declared brought dead.

READ:Police interrogate gunman in UP shooting

Two police personnel have also been injured in the encounter.

It may be recalled that a history-sheeter, Ajit Singh, was shot dead in Gomti Nagar area on January 6.

The main accused, Giridhari, was arrested from Delhi on January 11.

Giridhari was in police custody from February 13 to 16 and the police was trying to retrieve the weapon used in the crime.

A total of four shooters were involved in this murder including Girdhari Vishwakarma. There was a reward of Rs 1 lakh on Girdhari who was arrested by Delhi Police.

IANS INPUTS