Lucknow Encounter: Man Accused of Abducting and Raping Toddler Shot Dead by Police

In a dramatic late-night police operation in Lucknow, a 21-year-old man accused of abducting and raping a two-and-a-half-year-old girl was shot dead in an encounter early Friday morning. The child, found injured, is now undergoing treatment in a hospital and is said to be in stable condition.

The accused, Deepak Verma, also known locally as "Nanu", was tracked down using CCTV footage and vehicle details after the child’s parents filed a complaint. They had been sleeping near a Metro station when their daughter was taken.

CCTV showed Verma allegedly picking up the sleeping toddler and walking away with her before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. A reward of ₹1 lakh had been announced for information leading to his capture.

Police say they located Verma in the Alambagh area. When asked to surrender, he tried to escape on his two-wheeler but skidded and fell. Officers claim Verma then pulled out a country-made pistol and fired twice, one bullet hit an officer's bulletproof vest. In retaliation, police fired back, hitting Verma in the chest. He later died in the hospital.

Verma had a criminal background, with previous cases of assault filed in 2021 and 2024. Investigations into his past and family connections are ongoing.

The case has sparked outrage, and many are praising the swift police action, though some have raised questions about encounter killings and due process.