Alambagh Shootout: 24-Year-Old Gangster with 22 Cases Shot in Early Morning Lucknow Police Encounter

LUCKNOW – June 19, 2025
In the early hours of Wednesday, Lucknow’s crime control efforts reached a dramatic turning point when a 24-year-old history-sheeter with 22 pending cases was injured during a high-risk police encounter in the Alambagh area. This marks yet another chapter in the Uttar Pradesh Police’s ongoing war against organized crime and repeat offenders.

The accused, identified as Shariq Khan, was reportedly being tracked for weeks as part of a surveillance initiative targeting individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds. The encounter has raised both commendation and concern, as debates around law enforcement tactics and extrajudicial actions resurface across political and legal corridors.

The Encounter: A Timeline of Events

According to officials from the Lucknow Commissionerate, the operation began around 4:30 AM when intelligence sources confirmed the suspect’s presence near the Alambagh railway colony. Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Alambagh SHO mobilized to the location.

“When confronted, the suspect opened fire. In retaliation, our team returned fire, leading to a leg injury. He was immediately taken to the nearest hospital,” said DCP South, Vineet Jaiswal, during a press briefing.

The operation ended within minutes, but the recovery of a country-made pistol, live cartridges, and two stolen mobile phones revealed that the criminal was likely preparing for another illicit act.

Who is Shariq Khan?

Shariq Khan, a resident of the Sarojini Nagar area, has been on the radar of the Special Task Force (STF) and Lucknow Police for over a year. His record includes:

• Extortion, including threats made to small businesses and shopkeepers

• Illegal arms trade connections

• Motorcycle thefts and burglary

• Attempted murder charges

• Involvement with local gangs operating in Barabanki, Unnao, and Rae Bareli

A 2024 report by The Times of India listed him among the “Top 50 Repeat Offenders Under 25” in Uttar Pradesh.

Legal and Political Reactions

While law enforcement officials praised the team’s quick action, legal experts raised eyebrows over the increasing number of police encounters in Uttar Pradesh. According to a comprehensive report by IndiaSpend released earlier this year, UP has seen over 280 police encounters since January 2023, a figure that is both lauded for its deterrent effect and criticized for potential human rights implications.

Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, in an op-ed for LiveLaw, argued that:

“Each encounter must be legally scrutinized to ensure that the rule of law is upheld. While crime must be tackled firmly, due process should never be a casualty.”

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s office reiterated that the government maintains a zero-tolerance stance against habitual offenders, stating that, “The rule of law must be respected—but those threatening it will face consequences.”

Impact on Local Communities

Residents of Alambagh, while startled by the morning gunfire, expressed relief that a known threat had been neutralized. Several local shopkeepers, speaking to NDTV Uttar Pradesh, confirmed that Shariq Khan was involved in collecting “protection money” from traders and had instilled fear among street vendors.

“We couldn’t even report his activities. Everyone was afraid of what might happen afterward,” said Rajeev Sharma, a local confectioner.

The Bigger Picture: UP’s Crime Crackdown

The encounter is part of a larger statewide strategy being implemented under Mission Shakti and Operation Clean—initiatives aimed at reducing crime syndicates and reclaiming public spaces.

According to data from the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, crime rates involving firearms and gang-related activities have declined by 17% in the last fiscal year. Yet, civil society organizations like PUCL (People’s Union for Civil Liberties) continue to request judicial inquiries into each police shooting, urging transparency and accountability.

What Happens Next?

Shariq Khan is currently under police custody at the trauma center of KGMU Hospital, where he is being treated for a bullet wound to the leg. He will be formally charged under multiple IPC sections including:

• Section 307 (Attempt to murder)

• Section 25/27 of the Arms Act

• Sections 386 (Extortion) and 379 (Theft)

Police sources confirmed that a chargesheet is being prepared and additional accomplices may soon be arrested.

Conclusion

The Alambagh encounter has once again brought the spotlight on Uttar Pradesh’s aggressive policing model—raising questions about its long-term impact on justice and public trust. While authorities celebrate the removal of a dangerous criminal from the streets, civil rights advocates call for balance, emphasizing that safety and legality must walk hand-in-hand.

As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, one thing remains clear: Lucknow's streets may be a little safer today, but the larger battle against crime is far from over.