LUCKNOW, May 7 -- A 27-year-old man accused of abducting, sexually assaulting and murdering a seven-year-old boy was killed in a police encounter in Hardoi district early on Wednesday, officials said.

According to police records, the accused was a 'habitual offender' with at least 12 cases registered over the past five years across Kannauj and adjoining districts. His criminal history included charges under the POCSO Act, theft, robbery and the NDPS Act.

Hardoi superintendent of police (SP) Ashok Kumar Meena said the accused, Mahnoor alias Shahnur alias Menuddin, was carrying a Rs.50,000 reward declared after the child's body was recovered on Tuesday. He said the encounter occurred around 3am near Babatmau, about 50 km from Hardoi city,...