Dramatic Police Encounter Ends 144-Hour Manhunt for Child Rape Suspect in Madhya Pradesh

Inspector Vijay Tripathi immediately sprang into action and fired, effectively stopping Salman in his tracks.

The intensive 144-hour manhunt for 23-year-old Salman, also known as Nazar, accused of brutally raping a six-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district, concluded with a dramatic police encounter reminiscent of a movie scene. Following his capture in Bhopal, Salman attempted a bold escape during transfer, compelling police officers to discharge their weapons.

A high-ranking police official verified the timeline of events to NDTV, detailing how the situation rapidly escalated. "We were transporting the accused in one vehicle, with another serving as backup. The primary car suffered a puncture due to a nail. As we attempted to move him to the secondary vehicle, he seized his opportunity," the officer explained.

During the transfer, Salman managed to snatch a revolver from a sub-inspector inside the vehicle. He quickly aimed the weapon and attempted to fire. The sub-inspector, identified as Shyamraj, raised his hands defensively. Salman discharged two shots upward before trying to flee from the vehicle.

The backup team led by Inspector Vijay Tripathi responded instantaneously, firing at the suspect and striking him in the leg, thus terminating his desperate escape attempt. Salman was immediately transported to Hamidia Hospital for medical treatment under intensive security measures.

According to reports, Salman allegedly raped the minor on November 21. The young girl was playing outside her residence when he approached her, reportedly offering chocolate, and lured her into a nearby forest where he sexually assaulted her before escaping the scene.

The victim was discovered by family members who had begun searching after noticing her absence and learning she was last seen with Salman. The six-year-old was initially taken to a government hospital where the rape was confirmed, before being referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal.

Medical reports indicate the minor's condition is showing signs of improvement.

Prior to his capture, the Raisen Police faced significant public outrage and political repercussions after Salman was observed in two separate video recordings in the Gauharganj area following the crime – once providing directions to a tractor operator and again purchasing cigarettes from a local shop.

The extensive manhunt involved more than 300 police officers. Approximately 10-11 specialized teams worked continuously across various districts of Madhya Pradesh. Authorities deployed drones for aerial reconnaissance in forested areas and announced a reward of Rs 30,000 for information leading to his arrest.

While the shooting concludes Salman's six days as a fugitive, the political controversy that resulted in the Raisen SP's removal and the lingering public anger regarding the initial delays in apprehension remain unresolved issues.