India, June 8 -- A criminal carrying Rs.1.9 lakh bounty was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Ayodhya late on Sunday night, police said.

The deceased was identified as Bhanu Pratap Singh alias Bablu, a native of Gorakhpur, who was wanted in multiple serious criminal cases, including murder, robbery and extortion.

According to UP Police additional director general (ADG), Amitabh Yash, the encounter took place around 11pm near Ami Ghat after the STF received specific information that Bhanu and an accomplice were fleeing on a motorcycle.

When the STF team attempted to intercept them, the accused allegedly opened fire. The STF retaliated, during which Bhanu sustained gunshot injuries. His accomplice ...