Nighttime Gunfight in Shamli Ends With Wanted Criminal Shot Dead — What Really Happened?

Muzaffarnagar, December 3, 2025 A dramatic late-night encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district ended with the death of a wanted criminal who had been carrying a reward of ₹75,000 on his head. The man, identified as Mithun Bavarya, had long been on the radar of several police units across different states. His name had appeared in more than two dozen cases, including murder, loot, and a series of violent crimes reported from Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh. For months, authorities had been trying to track his movement, as he was known to shift locations frequently and escape at the slightest hint of a police presence. The incident took place on Monday night in the Kandhla area when a police team spotted Mithun and moved in to stop him. According to officials, the team had information suggesting he might be passing through the region. When they attempted to intercept him, he reportedly opened fire, leaving the officers with no choice but to retaliate. What was expected to be a routine check quickly escalated into a tense exchange of gunfire under the dark sky. During the encounter, Constable Harender was hit by a bullet. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Police officials said he is stable, and the force stands firmly with him and his family during this time. His injury added more urgency to the situation, pushing the team to bring the confrontation to a quick end before anyone else got hurt. As the shots continued, police officers returned fire with measured control, trying to neutralize the threat without putting more lives at risk. When the exchange finally ended, Mithun was found injured. He was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Officers said that the encounter was unavoidable because the criminal fired first, putting the police team directly in harm’s way. Shamli Superintendent of Police N. P. Singh later spoke to reporters, explaining that Mithun was not just another offender but a seasoned criminal who had been active across state borders. His involvement in numerous cases had made him one of the most wanted individuals in the region. The SP added that his death marks a significant step in controlling the growing criminal activity in the belt, especially crimes linked to gangs that move between Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh. Local residents woke up to the news with mixed reactions. Some expressed relief, feeling a sense of safety knowing that a dangerous criminal would no longer be roaming free. Others worried about the increasing number of shootouts happening in the region. But police officers stressed that such encounters only take place when there is an immediate threat to life and the accused refuses to surrender. Authorities are now looking into Mithun’s network, as many believe he did not operate alone. His past crimes indicate involvement with larger groups that plan robberies, assaults, and even targeted killings. Police teams from neighbouring states may also coordinate to trace the remaining members of his circle. The encounter has once again sparked conversations about crime in the region, police action, and how dangerous criminals continue to move across borders. For now, the police say they are focusing on the recovery of their injured constable and tightening surveillance to prevent similar incidents in the future. This late-night gunfight may have lasted only a few minutes, but it has left a deep impact on the region and its sense of security. Nighttime Gunfight in Shamli Ends With Wanted Criminal Shot Dead — What Really Happened? A tense late-night encounter in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, ended with a wanted criminal shot dead and a police constable injured, highlighting the dangers officers face while keeping the streets safe. The man, Mithun Bavarya, had a reward of ₹75,000 on his head and was wanted in more than two dozen cases, including murder, loot, and violent crimes across Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh. Authorities had been tracking him for months, as he was known to move frequently to evade the police. The incident occurred on Monday night in the Kandhla area when a police team spotted Mithun and tried to intercept him. According to officials, he opened fire first, forcing the officers to return fire. Constable Harender was injured during the exchange and was rushed to the hospital. Thankfully, police reports say he is stable and recovering. The gunfight lasted several tense minutes before Mithun was critically injured. He was taken to a hospital but declared dead on arrival. Shamli SP N. P. Singh told reporters that Mithun was a dangerous, seasoned criminal who had caused fear across multiple states. His death is seen as a major step in controlling organized crime in the region. Authorities are now investigating his network, as he likely did not operate alone, and are coordinating with neighbouring states to prevent further crimes from his associates. Local residents expressed mixed feelings: relief that a dangerous criminal is off the streets, but also concern about the rising number of shootouts in the area. Police stressed that such encounters only happen when there is an immediate threat to life and the offender refuses to surrender. This encounter serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face while tackling cross-border crime, and the constant vigilance required to keep communities safe.