Police nab auto driver wanted in molestation case after encounter

Lucknow: Police on Sunday arrested an auto-rickshaw driver for allegedly molesting a 20-year-old woman and attempting to kill her following a police encounter in the Vikas Nagar area on Sunday.

The accused, identified as Sunny Yadav, 34, a resident of KKV Colony under Hussainganj police station limits, was on the run since a case was registered against him on May 30.

According to police, the victim’s father lodged a complaint alleging that Yadav forcibly made obscene advances towards his daughter and used abusive language. When the woman resisted, the accused allegedly launched a life-threatening attack on her, leaving her seriously injured. She was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Acting on the complaint, Vikas Nagar police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the BNS, including charges of molestation, assault, criminal intimidation and attempt to murder. Given the gravity of the allegations, DCP (East) Deeksha Sharma constituted special teams to track down the accused.

Following a tip-off, police surrounded the residential complex of the Geological Survey of India at Tedhi Pulia, but Yadav allegedly opened fire on the police team.

In response, the police team carried out controlled retaliatory firing in self-defence and to ensure that the accused could be apprehended alive. During the exchange of fire, a bullet struck Yadav in the right leg, causing him to collapse. He was immediately taken into custody.

The injured accused was shifted to a hospital under police escort, where he is undergoing treatment.

Following the encounter, police registered another FIR against Yadav under provisions relating to an attack on public servants and under Sections 3/25 of the Arms Act for using an illegal firearm.