Murder accused injured in encounter, accomplice nabbed

Agra: A murder accused was injured in a police encounter in Mathura's Mahavan area, while his accomplice was arrested on Monday for allegedly killing their friend following a dispute over Rs 20,000, police said.The injured accused, Ujala Singh (22), sustained a bullet injury in his leg during an exchange of fire early Monday. His aide, Lakhan Singh (24), was caught soon after. An illegal firearm, cartridges, the victim's mobile phone and the motorcycle used in the crime were seized from their possession.SHO Sudhir Kumar Singh said the body of Gaurav Singh (25) was found on Friday near Ballabh Ghat along the Yamuna. Based on a complaint by Gaurav's family, a case under Section 103(1) (murder) of BNS was filed, and a probe revealed a financial dispute as the motive.Police said Ujala had lent Rs 20,000 to Gaurav about six months ago. When he demanded his money back, Gaurav allegedly refused. On Thursday night, Ujala and Lakhan allegedly lured Gaurav out, took him to Ballabh Ghat, strangled him, and tried to destroy evidence by burning his clothes to make it seem he had drowned.Mathura DSP Sanjeev Kumar Rai said police received a tip-off on Sunday night that both the accused were heading towards Madanpur on a motorcycle via the Yamuna Expressway service road. When signalled to stop, the duo opened fire. In retaliatory firing, Ujala was hit in the leg, while Lakhan was nabbed.The injured accused was admitted to hospital, police said, adding that a separate case under Section 107 (attempt to murder) of BNS and Arms Act has been filed for firing at the police.