Cops, criminal flee after 8-year-old dies in a shootout in UP`s Mathura

Madhav, an eight-year-old boy, was killed in an encounter between the police and a robbery accused in Mohanpura on Wednesday.

Mathura: An eight-year-old boy was killed in an encounter between the police and a robbery accused in Mohanpura in the Mathura district on Wednesday.

The victim, identified as Madhav, a nursery student.

The encounter began after police received inputs that a person, who was allegedly involved in a robbery case, was hiding in a field in Mohanpura.

The police laid a cordon and issued a warning for the accused to surrender. 

However, the accused paid no heed to the warning and made attempts to flee from the place.

Thereafter, a fierce exchange of gunfire started between the police and the criminal.

During the exchange of fire, Madhav, who was playing in the vicinity, was hit. 

Unable to cope with this, both the police and the criminal fled from the spot immediately.

However, the news of Madhav being shot at soon reached his family and he was rushed to the hospital for treatment, where he ultimately succumbed to his wound.

Madhav's family members have alleged irresponsibility on behalf of the police.

Taking note of their concerns, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Swapnil Mamgai said the investigation is being carried out in the matter and full support will be extended to the family at this hour of grief.

"It is a very unfortunate incident, and I extend complete support to the family. The matter will be looked into by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who will examine the case from all angles and reveal if there was any negligence on behalf of the police. The body of the child has been sent for post-mortem, to identify who initiated the firing," Swapnil said.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, also expressed profound grief over the tragic death of the eight-year-old boy.  

CM Yogi Adityanath has also announced a compensation for the bereaved family.

Taking to Twitter, Adityanath said, ''A financial aid of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for the bereaved family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.'' 

The saint-politician has also warned that guilty will not be spared.