In a tragic turn of events in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, the community is mourning the loss of a dedicated young police officer, Constable Sachin Rathi. The incident, which has sent shockwaves throughout the region, occurred during a police operation aiming to capture a known criminal. Rathi, in the line of duty, sustained a grave gunshot wound that ultimately claimed his life.

This heartbreaking occurrence took place in the rural locality of Dharanidhirpur Nagariya, falling under the jurisdiction of the Vishungarh police station. It was during this high-stress operation that the targeted criminal, in a desperate attempt to evade capture, resorted to gunfire. Constable Rathi, who was actively involved in the operation, was critically injured in the ensuing chaos.

The severity of Rathi's injury necessitated immediate medical attention. He was swiftly transported to a medical facility in Kanpur, a nearby city known for its advanced healthcare services. Despite the urgent medical care provided, Rathi's condition deteriorated, and he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

This incident has a particularly poignant aspect as it occurred just as Rathi was preparing for a significant personal milestone. He was engaged to be married in February, a time when he was supposed to begin a new chapter in his life. Instead, his family, friends, and colleagues are now grappling with the harsh reality of his untimely demise.

In a subsequent police action related to the same operation, the assailant and his son also sustained injuries. This development indicates the intense and dangerous nature of law enforcement duties, especially in situations involving armed criminals. The incident not only underscores the risks police officers face daily but also highlights their commitment to maintaining law and order, often at great personal cost.

Before the fateful encounter that took the life of Constable Sachin Rathi, his home in Uttar Pradesh was a scene of contrasting emotions. The Rathi family was immersed in the joyful and bustling preparations for Sachin's much-anticipated wedding.

The Rathi residence was transformed into a hub of lively activities. Family members, each playing a crucial role, were engaged in planning every aspect of the upcoming nuptials. The air was filled with an infectious excitement as they meticulously prepared shopping lists that included wedding attire, decorations, and various other essentials. These lists were crafted with immense care, reflecting the family's eagerness to make the event unforgettable.

Sachin's parents, who took immense pride in their son's noble profession as a police constable, were particularly involved in the preparations. They were diligently organizing the guest list, a task they performed with great attention to detail. Their goal was to ensure that every beloved family member and friend received an invitation, making the occasion a grand reunion of loved ones. The home resonated with the constant ringing of phones, as family members coordinated tirelessly to arrange every little detail of the wedding, showcasing their commitment to creating a joyous and memorable celebration for Sachin.

However, amidst these preparations, a single phone call dramatically altered the atmosphere of joy and anticipation. Sachin received an urgent call of duty, a summon to join a critical operation to apprehend a dangerous criminal, known as a "history-sheeter" in local parlance. This call was a jolting reminder of the demanding and often perilous nature of his profession as a police constable. The excitement of wedding preparations was abruptly replaced by a solemn realization of the risks associated with his duty.

The laughter and chatter that once filled the house were now replaced by a quiet understanding and respect for the sacrifices inherent in Sachin's line of work. The family, acutely aware of the dangers he faced, was suddenly reminded of the delicate balance between personal joy and professional obligation. This poignant moment highlighted the often-overlooked sacrifices made by those in uniform, who must set aside their personal lives to uphold their duty to society.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Kumar Anand provided a detailed background on the criminal involved in the tragic incident that led to the death of Constable Sachin Rathi. Ashok alias Munua alias Munna Yadav, a resident of Dharanidhirpur Nagariya village under the Vishungarh police station's jurisdiction, was first charged in 2009 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Chhibramau police station. After being released on bail, Yadav had managed to evade capture and had been absconding.

On the evening of this fateful encounter, a team led by the officer of Chhibramau police station, Jitendra Singh, and Vishungarh station officer Parul Chaudhary, undertook a mission to arrest Yadav. This operation was initiated around 5 PM, based on a court-issued warrant for his arrest. As the police team approached his residence in the village, Yadav, spotting the approaching officers, reacted violently. He began firing at the police team, initiating a dangerous exchange of gunfire.

During this tense encounter, Constable Sachin Rathi, who was a part of the Vishungarh police station team, was tragically shot in the thigh. The bullet caused a severe injury as it passed through his leg, indicating the gravity of the wound. Rathi was immediately rushed to the local Chhibramau hospital for emergency treatment. However, given the critical nature of his injury, he was subsequently referred to a hospital in Kanpur, a city known for its better-equipped medical facilities. Despite the efforts to save his life, Rathi succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning.

Following this shootout, the situation at the scene escalated quickly. Additional police forces from neighboring stations were summoned to reinforce the operation. Additionally, two platoons of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were called to the location to manage the increasingly volatile situation. The accused, Yadav, continued to aggressively confront the police, firing multiple rounds in an attempt to intimidate and repel the law enforcement officers.

Accused Attempts to Flee

In a tense and dangerous turn of events during the police operation in Uttar Pradesh, the accused, Ashok, along with his wife, Shyama Devi, and son, Abhay Yadav alias Tinku, engaged in a desperate attempt to elude capture. This occurred while the injured constable, Sachin Rathi, was being rushed to the Chhibramau hospital due to the critical gunshot wound he had sustained.

As the operation progressed into the evening and darkness began to envelop the area, Ashok and his family saw an opportunity to escape. In a bold and hazardous move, they tried to flee from their house while simultaneously firing at the police officers. This action intensified the already volatile situation, as the police were not only managing the operation but also had to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Despite the challenging circumstances and the aggressive resistance by Ashok and his family, the police team displayed remarkable resilience and strategic acumen. They managed to apprehend the trio approximately 20 meters from their house, effectively thwarting their attempt to escape. During the counter-firing by the police, both Ashok and his son Tinku sustained injuries. They were quickly taken to the hospital in Chhibramau for initial medical treatment. However, due to the seriousness of their injuries, they were later referred to the State Medical College in Tirwa, a facility better equipped to handle such severe cases.

In a somber development, the Uttar Pradesh police force is now preparing for a funeral. The 30-year-old cop, Sachin Rathi, tragically succumbed to his injuries the previous night. He was shot during the intense and prolonged encounter between the police and Ashok, a notorious criminal.

Constable Sachin Rathi was part of a courageous four-member police team that embarked on a mission to apprehend Ashok Yadav, a murder suspect wanted in connection with at least 20 criminal cases in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. However, as they arrived at Yadav's residence, they encountered an unexpected and perilous situation. Ashok Yadav, along with his son Abhay, initiated gunfire directed at the police officers and attempted to escape. Tragically, it was during this confrontation that Constable Rathi sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh.

Faced with the sudden and intense exchange of gunfire, the beleaguered police team swiftly called for reinforcements. Responding to the distress call, officers from at least four police stations rushed to the scene to provide support. The situation had escalated into a fierce encounter that lasted for nearly an hour, marked by exchanges of gunfire between the law enforcement officers and the Yadav father-son duo. Despite the challenging circumstances, the police persevered in their efforts to bring the situation under control.

As the encounter unfolded, Constable Rathi's life hung in the balance. He had been gravely wounded and urgently needed medical attention. With great urgency, he was transported to a hospital in Kanpur, where medical professionals worked tirelessly to save his life. However, the young police officer had lost a significant amount of blood, and despite their best efforts, he tragically succumbed to his injuries, passing away at midnight.

Remembering Constable Sachin Rathi

Constable Sachin Rathi, originally from Muzaffarnagar, embarked on his journey in the police force in 2019, driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to serving his community. He had been eagerly looking forward to marrying a fellow woman constable on February 5, with the family deep in preparations for the upcoming wedding celebrations. However, the unexpected tragedy has plunged the family, once filled with anticipation and joy, into a profound state of mourning.

The news of Constable Sachin Rathi's ultimate sacrifice sent shockwaves throughout the village and enveloped it in grief. Relatives of the brave young constable swiftly made arrangements to bring his body back to his hometown, where he would be laid to rest with honor and respect.

As Constable Sachin Rathi's lifeless body was solemnly brought out of the hospital, his fiancée stood there, heartbroken and inconsolable. The emotional weight of the moment was overwhelming, and she was embraced by the comforting presence of family members. The tragic loss of Constable Sachin Rathi has left an indelible mark on his family, who cherished him as a son, brother, and soon-to-be husband. His family, which includes three siblings, including a younger sister and an older brother, is rooted in a farming background in Muzaffarnagar. It is worth noting that Sachin's fiancée also serves as a police constable, reflecting their shared commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of their community.

In recognition of his dedicated service and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty, police officers have announced that Constable Sachin Rathi will be accorded a gun salute at the police lines. This honor is a symbol of respect and gratitude for his unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, even in the face of great danger. Constable Rathi's legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and the community he served with unwavering dedication.