Manikpur rape and murder case: ₹50,000‑reward accused held after encounter

Prayagraj: Manikpur police on Thursday arrested a wanted accused in connection with the rape and murder of a 19‑year‑old woman following an encounter near the Karenti Ganga bridge route, police said.The accused, identified as Shubham Sonkar (21), who was carrying a reward of ₹50,000, sustained bullet injuries to both legs during the exchange of fire, officials added.According to police, a joint team of Manikpur police station, SWAT and surveillance units received specific intelligence that Sonkar was travelling from Kaushambi towards the Karenti tri‑junction, allegedly to meet his lawyer. Acting on the tip, the police laid a trap and intensified checking in the area.At around 1.45pm, when the suspect was asked to stop, he allegedly opened fire on the police team in an attempt to evade arrest. Police retaliated, during which Sonkar was shot in both legs, officials said.An illegal .32‑bore pistol, one empty cartridge, three live cartridges and a magazine were recovered from his possession, police said.Sonkar was wanted in a case registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the rape and murder of the 19‑year‑old on April 26.Earlier, the main accused, a juvenile, was apprehended within 24 hours of the incident on April 27. Another co‑accused, Vishnu Prakash Gautam, was arrested on April 28 and subsequently sent to judicial custody.Police claimed that with Sonkar’s arrest, all key accused linked to the case have now been apprehended.According to police, the prime accused was known to the victim and had been in regular contact with her over the phone. Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman was allegedly called to a mango orchard, where Sonkar and his co‑accused friend were present.Police further alleged that the co‑accused recorded objectionable videos of the woman and threatened to circulate them. When she objected and threatened to expose them, the duo allegedly killed her and fled the spot.