LUCKNOW/KANPUR, June 16 -- The main accused in the murder of a Hindu priest in Unnao district was killed in a police encounter early Monday, six days after the killing sparked outrage and protests in the area. Police said the accused, carrying a Rs.1 lakh reward, allegedly opened fire on a team attempting to arrest him. Israel alias Izrail, 36, was wanted in connection with the June 9 murder of priest Ram Milan Das alias Baba Milan Das Singh, 45, in Bangarmau and had been absconding since the incident, police said. According to Unnao SP Jai Prakash Singh, police received information around 3:40 am that Israel was near the Tajpur underpass in the Bangarmau area and waiting to meet an associate. Acting on the tip-off, local police and the SOG launched a joint operation and surrounded him. Police said that when asked to surrender, Israel allegedly opened fire on the team. During the exchange, SOG constable Vikas Bhadauria sustained a gunshot injury, while a bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of a sub-inspector, averting a serious injury. The police team retaliated, critically injuring the accused. He was taken to the Bangarmau CHC, where doctors declared him dead. Police said a .315-bore country-made pistol, two spent cartridges and a knife were recovered from his possession. Investigators claimed the knife used in the murder of the priest was among the recovered items. The killing of Ram Milan Das had triggered widespread outrage in the district. The priest, who was overseeing the construction of a Shiva temple on his land in Ramnagar village, was allegedly attacked on June 9 after being called to the premises of a local councillor. htc...