UP STF neutralizes two wanted criminals in Moradabad encounter

Moradabad: Significant news is emerging from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. On November 10, 2025, criminals Asif alias Tidda and Dinu, who had demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore and opened fire with the intent to kill in the Bhojpur police station area, were tracked by a joint team of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Moradabad police. Acting on a tip-off, the team attempted to intercept them at the Goat Railway Underpass. The criminals did not stop their vehicle upon seeing the police and instead opened fire. The police fired controlled fire in self-defense, injuring both criminals. The injured criminals were immediately rushed to the hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. Arrests and Recoveries Police recovered several weapons and ammunition from the criminals at the scene. These include: 1. One country-made carbine, 10 live cartridges 2. One 32-bore pistol, empty magazine 3. One 7.65-bore pistol, 2 live cartridges 4. Forty live cartridges, 4 live cartridges, 7.65-bore 5. Empty magazines for two pistols 6. One Venue car without number plate Crime in UP: Teenager shot dead in Moradabad, anger in the area Information about the deceased criminals 1. Asif alias Tidda: son of Shamshad, resident of Baniya Wala Khet, Rasid Nagar, Brahmpuri police station, Meerut. Reward: ₹100,000. 2. Dinu: son of Chunnu alias Ilyas, resident of village Khiwai, Sarurpur police station, Meerut. Reward: ₹50,000. Police Strategy The Special Task Force (STF) and Moradabad police maintained close surveillance on the criminals' activities. A cordon and search strategy was adopted by dividing the team into three teams. Under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police, Moradabad, Satpal Antil, and Additional Superintendent of Police, STF, Brijesh Kumar Singh, the police team used self-defense and controlled fire to apprehend the criminals. Criminal Activities of Asif alias Tidda Asif had a criminal streak since childhood. Major Incidents 1. 2005: First case of theft in Brahmpuri 2. 2013: Armed robbery of ₹40 lakh in Panipat, 7 years in prison 3. 2020: Kidnapping and murder in Muzaffarnagar 4. 2014: Armed robbery in Hapur, ₹10 lakh and gold looted 5. 2022: Night robbery in Aligarh, ₹10 lakh worth of jewelry looted Asif, along with his gang, committed several serious crimes and was considered one of the most dangerous criminals in Western Uttar Pradesh. Dinu's Major Criminal Activities 1. House Robbery: In 2016, he and his associates entered homes in Meerut and surrounding areas at gunpoint and robbed them of cash and valuables. 2. Kidnapping and Threats: In 2018, he was involved in kidnapping individuals and demanding ransom for their release. 3. Illegal Use of Weapons: In several incidents, he attempted to intimidate opponents by firing shots and threatening to kill them. 4. Organized Crime: Actively involved in robbery, extortion, and illegal arms dealing while a member of Asif alias Tidda's gang. Police shot a brutal man who attempted to outrage the modesty of a girl in Moradabad. Significance of the Incident The Moradabad encounter illustrated that strictness, strategy, and courage are essential to maintaining law and order. The police's promptness and courage neutralized two notorious criminals. Police officials have warned that strict action will continue against those who take the law into their own hands.