New Delhi: Loopholes have emerged in the UP Special Task Force’s (STF) version about the ‘encounter’ killing of Mangesh Yadav of Jaunpur in the Sultanpur jewellery heist, according to a Hindustan report. The killing has sparked a political row, with the Opposition mounting its attack.
Not all bullet shells recovered
All the shells of bullets fired by the miscreants and the police could not be recovered from the ‘encounter’ site. According to the police, due to thick bushes, wetland and water, all the shells fired by the miscreants and the cops could not be traced. The police could not even find any local witnesses after the encounter. Among the villagers who reached the spot, no one was ready when asked to testify.
On August 28, the miscreants robbed Bharat Soni’s shop in Chowk Thatheri Bazaar Majorganj and stole jewellery and cash worth about Rs 1.5 crore. On September 5, the police claimed to have killed Jaunpur’s criminal Mangesh Yadav, who allegedly executed the robbery, in an encounter near Mishrapur Puraina Hanumanganj bypass.
Second shooter’s identity still unascertained
According to the report filed at the Kotwali Dehat police station by Deputy Superintendent of Police STF Lucknow headquarters Dharmesh Kumar Shahi, a total of six rounds were fired during the ‘encounter’. Inspector Mahavir fired two rounds, Raghvendra two rounds, constable Brijesh Singh one round, and constable Amar Srivastava fired one round.
Details regarding the number of rounds fired by the criminals are still not available. Besides, the identity of the second miscreant who fled after firing at the police allegedly along with Mangesh is still unknown. The police have not yet been able to locate him. He could potentially be an eyewitness to the ‘encounter’.
Who was Mangesh Yadav going to meet to sell jewellery?
The STF had received information that the criminal Mangesh, who has Rs 1 lakh bounty on his head, was expected to meet with his gang members late at night in Hanumanganj and was going to sell the stolen jewellery through someone. In this context, questions are being raised about who Mangesh was supposed to meet, as this has not yet been revealed.
No bullet proof jacket
On the other hand, the STF has claimed having formed three teams to carry out the ‘encounter’ killing. However, in the photo released after the ‘encounter’, no member of the team is seen wearing bullet proof jacket. In a photograph of the incident site, CO STF Dharmesh Kumar Shahi himself is seen wearing slippers.
The opposition parties are sparking the controversy. It has been claimed that a seven-minute video and 25 photographs were taken at the scene. The details of the video are still unknown. Since the ‘encounter’ occurred between 3:15 and 3:30 am, the seven-minute video could be significant. The investigation of the Mangesh ‘encounter’ has been entrusted to Inspector Satendra Singh of Kotwali Dehat police station. However, the investigation has not progressed yet.
Orders have been issued for a magistrate inquiry into the Mangesh ‘encounter’. District Magistrate Kritika Jyotsna has appointed Sub-Divisional Magistrate Lambhua, Vidushi Singh, as the investigating officer.