Bulandshahr triple murder accused killed in police encounter

MEERUT: The prime accused in the Khurja gym shooting case—where three friends were gunned down during a birthday celebration over cake-smearing—was killed in a police encounter on Thursday morning in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh.Jeetu Saini, 30, who carried a reward of ₹50,000, was shot dead near Sikri on Jhajhar Road. During the exchange of fire, SI Mohammad Aslam and constable Mohit Malik sustained injuries to their hands and are currently receiving treatment.According to SSP Dinesh Kumar Singh, the police team intercepted two men on a scooter and signalled them to stop. The suspects opened fire and attempted to flee, prompting the police to retaliate. Jeetu was critically injured and rushed to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His accomplice managed to escape. A pistol was recovered from the scene.Jeetu leaves behind his wife and two children—an eight-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter. Police sources revealed he had previously been booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, indicating a history of legal trouble.The incident traces back to last Saturday, when Amardeep Saini, 32, his cousin Manish Saini, 30, and nephew Akash, 19, were shot dead inside a gym on Subhash Marg in Khurja after Amardeep smeared cake on Jeetu’s face during the celebration.Following a complaint by Amardeep’s father, a case was registered against 10 individuals. So far, five suspects have been arrested, three of whom were injured in separate encounters earlier. A manhunt is underway to apprehend the remaining fugitives, SSP Singh confirmed.