Kaushambi: A wanted criminal carrying a reward of Rs 1.25 lakh was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police on Tuesday, an STF officer said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of STF DK Shahi said that Gufran, who was a dreaded criminal of Pratapgarh district, was wanted in several cases. 

"He was cordoned off in Samda area of Kaushambi district this morning," he said.

He said that in a bid to kill policemen Gufran opened fire."

"He was injured in retaliatory firing and was taken to the hospital where he died," he said.

The DSP said that the criminal carried a cash reward of Rs 1.25 lakh on his arrest.

 "While a reward of Rs 1 lakh was announced by Additional Director of Police (ADG) Prayagraj zone, Rs 25,000 was announced by Sultanpur police," he said.

Police sources said that a 9 mm carbine along with a 32 bore pistol were recovered from the possession of the criminal.

 "More than 13 cases were lodged against Gufran in Pratapgarh and other districts and he was wanted in 7 cases, including that of murder, loot and attempt to murder," they said.

Shahi said that Gufran was having links with several big gangs of UP which is being probed.

(With UNI inputs)