Lucknow, June 9 (IANS) An auto-rickshaw driver, accused of harassing and assaulting two young women who were travelling to appear for an examination in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, was injured in a police encounter during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, officials said.

According to police, the incident took place in Lucknow’s Para area on Monday when the two girls, who had arrived from Charbagh and were on their way to take an examination in Raebareli, allegedly became victims of the accused auto driver’s actions.

Providing details of the case, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Kamlesh Dixit said the two students had begun their journey from their home district and were heading towards the examination centre when the incident occurred.

“Two girls from the district were going to appear for an examination in Raebareli. They boarded a train from Charbagh and then took an auto-rickshaw to reach the roadways bus stand. Instead of taking them to the bus stand, the auto driver took them to a deserted place in the Para area. There, he harassed and assaulted them,” Dixit said.

Police said the accused allegedly diverted the route and drove the passengers to an isolated location rather than their intended destination. The girls reportedly raised an alarm after the alleged harassment, prompting the accused to flee from the scene.

“After that, police reached the location and registered an FIR at the police station and ensured the girls were safely sent for their examination,” the DCP said.

Following the complaint, police launched an investigation and began efforts to identify and trace the suspect.

Officials examined CCTV footage from nearby areas and gathered technical evidence to determine the accused’s identity and movements.

According to the police, the accused was identified as Hasim, a resident of Hardoi who had been living in a rented accommodation under the Para police station limits and was working as an auto-rickshaw driver in Lucknow.

Police teams subsequently tracked the suspect and located him near Munnu Khera Pulia. Officials said that when they attempted to apprehend him, he allegedly tried to escape and opened fire on the police team.

“We traced him and found him near Munnu Khera puliya. He tried to run, and we tried to stop him. He fired at the police, so the officials also retaliated. During this, he got shot in the leg. He has been arrested and sent to the hospital for treatment,” the officer added.

Police said further legal proceedings are being carried out in connection with the case.

Officials also revealed that Hasim has a previous criminal record. According to police, he had earlier been arrested in 2024 in connection with a rape case.

Police said the accused is now in custody and that the investigation into the matter is continuing.

–IANS

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