UP police arrested two wanted accused in the Muzaffarnagar minor rape case after an encounter in Reta Nangla forest
Muzaffarnagar: Uttar Pradesh Police arrested two wanted accused, Waleen and Salman, in connection with the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old Hindu girl in Muzaffarnagar following an encounter in the forests of Reta Nangla village on September 6. Both accused were injured in retaliatory firing during the encounter and were subsequently arrested. They were taken to a hospital for treatment.
According to police, the incident took place on the night of September 4 when the Hindu minor girl had left her home to visit a temple during Janmashtami celebrations. She was reportedly dressed as Shri Radha, a revered figure in Hindu tradition, at the time.
Police said three youths, identified as Sameer, Waleen and Salman, abducted the girl and took her to a room in a house. Sameer, identified as the main accused in the case, raped the minor. A case was registered following the incident, and Sameer was arrested on the same day. Waleen and Salman remained wanted in connection with the case.
On September 6, police received information that the two wanted accused were hiding in the forests of Reta Nangla. A team from Chhapaar police station reached the area and launched a search operation.
According to police, the accused opened fire at the police team during the search. Despite being asked to surrender, they allegedly continued firing, following which the police retaliated. Both Waleen and Salman sustained gunshot injuries and were arrested at the spot. Police subsequently shifted them to a hospital for medical treatment.
Police said two illegal .315-bore country-made pistols, two live cartridges and two spent cartridges were recovered from the accused. With the arrest of Waleen and Salman, all three accused named in the case are now in police custody.
