A 30-year-old man identified as Ashiq Mev, also known as Asif, was killed in an exchange of gunfire between police and suspected cattle smugglers in Rajasthan’s Deeg district on June 18.
His father, Hasa Mev alias Kada, was critically injured in the encounter and is currently receiving treatment at RBM Hospital in Bharatpur.
According to police officials, a group of known cattle smugglers was spotted near Ghatmika village around 1 pm following a tip-off. The group, comprising the father-son duo from Kanwari village and two others—Qasam and Saddam from Ghatmika—was reportedly traveling on motorcycles when they were intercepted by a police team.
Pahari Station House Officer Yogendra Singh told the media that the accused opened fire upon seeing the police, triggering a shootout that lasted approximately 30 minutes. Three police personnel were injured during the encounter.
Ashiq, who sustained serious injuries, was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved. His father was also critically wounded and is under medical care.
The other two suspects, Qasam and Saddam, are believed to have fled to neighboring Haryana.
While authorities had received information about a truck being used to transport cattle illegally, no such vehicle was located at the scene.
Deeg Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar Meena confirmed that the group had a history of criminal activity. He said that Hasam, Qasam, and Saddam were wanted in multiple cases, including those under the Arms Act and for cattle smuggling. Hasam alone reportedly faced at least 15 charges, including one for murder, and carried a reward of Rs 45,000 for information leading to his capture.
The police had approached the operation with caution, as the suspects were known to be armed and dangerous. Officers involved were equipped with bulletproof gear due to the high-risk nature of the mission.