Police Encounter in Uttarakhand: Suspect Shot After Fatal Stabbing Triggers Community Unrest

Tensions escalated in Uttarakhand's Khatima town after a violent clash resulted in the death of Tushar Sharma, who was fatally stabbed during an altercation between two groups on Friday night. Two of Sharma's companions also sustained serious injuries in the incident.

According to Udham Singh Nagar Senior Superintendent of Police Manikant Mishra, eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage analysis identified Hashim and his associates as the alleged perpetrators of the crime.

Following intelligence reports, police forces surrounded Hashim near a brick kiln in Jhanjhat area and instructed him to surrender. However, the accused reportedly opened fire on the police, prompting officers to retaliate. Hashim was shot in the leg during the exchange and subsequently apprehended.

Authorities recovered an illegal .315 bore pistol and two live cartridges from the suspect during the search. The injured accused was initially transported to Nanakmatta Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to District Hospital in Rudrapur.

Police officials stated that they are investigating Hashim's criminal background while continuing efforts to capture his accomplices.

The violent incident triggered community unrest, with a Bajrang Dal-led group setting fire to a shop owned by the accused. Protesters also took to the streets, forcing market closures throughout Khatima. Law enforcement had to resort to baton charges to maintain order as the situation deteriorated.

Circle Officer Vimal Rawat confirmed that police teams had been deployed to various locations to apprehend suspects connected to Tushar Bhardwaj's murder case, acting on intelligence from confidential informants regarding the main suspect's whereabouts.

The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as tensions remain high in the Uttarakhand town following this violent incident.