LUCKNOW, July 8 -- The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Tuesday gunned down Asif alias Vicky, 40, the alleged chief of the dreaded nomadic gang, in an encounter in Ambedkar Nagar district, said UP Police additional director general (ADG), law and order, Amitabh Yash. He carried a reward of Rs.1 lakh and was wanted in six murders and more than 21 criminal cases, the ADG added. He said the encounter took place around 4 am near Jagdishpur village after the STF's Noida unit received intelligence that Asif was hiding in the area. According to the STF, he tried to flee on a motorcycle and opened fire on the police team after being surrounded. An STF constable suffered a bullet injury to his right hand in the exchange, following which the police retaliated. Asif sustained two bullet injuries to his chest and later died during treatment at a district hospital. Police recovered a .32 bore pistol, a 12-bore country-made firearm, a large quantity of ammunition and a motorcycle from the spot. The STF described Asif as the leader of a notorious gang, an inter-state criminal syndicate known for carrying out brutal night-time dacoities. The gang allegedly broke into houses wearing only undergarments, held families hostage, looted cash and valuables, and killed those who resisted before fleeing to another district or state under assumed identities....