Convict out on bail holds 20 children hostage in UP's Farrukhabad; three cops, villager injured after he opens fire

Around 20 children are being held hostage by a convict out on bail in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad, the police said on Thursday.

PTI identified the individual as Subhash Batham and said that he fired from inside the house.

According to ANI, three policemen and a villager have been injured after he opened fire at them. According to ANI, he also threw a hand grenade at the police.

Inspector-General of Police, Kanpur Range, Mohit Agarwal, said that the man fired six shots from inside on those who attempted to speak to him.

Batham wanted to talk to the local MLA, but he refused to talk when the leader went there, Agarwal added.

ADGP PV Rama Shastri told ANI that rescue operations are underway, that a Quick Response Team (QRT) and Special Operation Group (SOG) team are already at the spot, and that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is on its way.

“The man had been sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder case and he was out on a bail. He called the children on the pretext of a birthday party and held them hostage. He opened fire on villagers,” he added.

“Twenty children are being held hostage at Kathariya village,” Shastri said, adding, “We are ensuring their safe rescue. If needed NSG will also be called for the operation,”

A team of commandos have also been rushed to the spot, Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has called a high-level meeting over the incident. Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home), DGP, ADGP Law & Order were present at the meeting, ANI said.

With inputs from agencies