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Accused in child's sexual assault and murder killed in Hardoi police encounter
A 27-year-old man accused of abducting, sexually assaulting and murdering a seven-year-old boy was killed in a police encounter in Hardoi district during an early-morning checking operation. The case involves a ransom demand and a long criminal history; police say the suspect used multiple aliases and a stolen SIM to mask his identity.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about child protection and the challenges of tracking serial offenders, as well as the use of encounters in countering violent crime.
Timeline
8 Events
Background of the accused disclosed by police
May 7, 2026
Police records show Mahnoor, 27, had at least 12 cases registered over the past five years across Kannauj and adjoining districts, including POCSO Act cases; authorities had invoked the Gangsters Act in earlier cases; his first case dates back to 2020.
Encounter near Babatmau; death of accused and injury to SOG officer
May 6, 2026
Around 3am, during a checking drive near Babatmau, police signalled a suspicious motorcyclist to stop; the rider opened fire; in retaliatory firing, Mahnoor alias Shahnur alias Menuddin sustained a chest bullet injury and died at the district hospital. Special Operations Group in-charge Rajesh Kumar was injured and is undergoing treatment.
Two suspects detained in Kanpur in connection with ransom call
May 5, 2026
Police traced the ransom call to Kanpur, where two suspects were detained.
₹50,000 reward declared for information
May 5, 2026
A ₹50,000 reward was declared for information leading to the arrest after the body was recovered.
Body recovered from maize field behind madrasa
May 5, 2026
The body of the child was recovered from a maize field behind a madrasa; preliminary investigation indicated the boy was sexually assaulted and killed after the ransom plan faltered.
Ransom call received demanding ₹7 lakh
May 2, 2026
Investigators said a ransom call demanding ₹7 lakh was received; the accused had sourced the father’s mobile number from a signboard outside his shop and used it to contact the family, even forcing a small online transfer to validate a UPI account.
Father lodges missing-child complaint
May 2, 2026
The child's father lodged a complaint on May 2 after the boy failed to return home.
Child goes missing after Urs fair
May 1, 2026
The seven-year-old boy, resident of Mallawan police station area, went missing after attending a local Urs fair on May 1.