In a major success for Uttar Pradesh Police, the Moradabad Police team and the Meerut Special Task Force (STF) eliminated two notorious gangsters, Asif alias Tidda and Dinu, in a fierce encounter late Monday evening. Both criminals were involved in a series of heinous crimes, including murder, robbery, dacoity, and extortion, and had long evaded arrest.
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Operation Near Got Railway Station: A Swift and Strategic Response
The high-voltage encounter unfolded near Got railway station under the Moradabad police station area. Acting on a tip-off, the combined team of Moradabad Police and Meerut STF surrounded the two gangsters. On finding themselves trapped, the criminals opened indiscriminate fire on the police team, forcing the officers to retaliate in self-defense.
In the ensuing gunfire, both Asif and Dinu were fatally shot. They were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival. The police recovered a car, one 30-bore carbine, three 32-bore pistols, and a large cache of live cartridges from the scene.
Bullets Pierce Bulletproof Jackets: SSP and STF Officers Narrowly Escape
During the intense exchange, bullets hit and pierced the bulletproof jackets of Moradabad SSP Mr. Satpal Antil and the Meerut STF ASP. Both officers, however, miraculously escaped without major injury. Their presence on the frontlines underscored the Uttar Pradesh Police’s proactive and fearless approach to tackling organized crime in the region.
End of an Era for Two Dreaded Gangsters
Asif alias Tidda, a resident of Rasid Nagar in Meerut and originally from Ghaziabad, had a long and violent criminal history. Having dropped out after class eight, he had formed his own gang that spread terror across multiple districts, including Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Haryana. Over 65 serious cases were registered against him, and a reward of Rs. 1,00,000 had been announced for his capture.
His associate, Dinu, hailed from Khiwai village under the Sarurpur police station in Meerut district. A declared history-sheeter since 2009, Dinu faced more than 25 cases of robbery, murder, and kidnapping. He was also wanted in connection with a high-profile 2020 case of kidnapping and murder in Muzaffarnagar’s Ratanpuri area. A reward of Rs. 50,000 had been announced for his arrest.
Who is IPS Officer Mr. Satpal Antil – The Man Leading From the Front
Mr. Satpal Antil, IPS (Uttar Pradesh Cadre, 2015 Batch), currently serves as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Moradabad. Hailing from Sonipat district in Haryana, Mr. Antil holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Chandigarh. His deep understanding of human behavior and commitment to public service have shaped his policing philosophy, which emphasizes fairness, transparency, and community safety.
Over his distinguished career, Mr. Antil has served in multiple districts including Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Pratapgarh. Known for his fearless field leadership, he has led several successful operations against organized criminal networks in Western Uttar Pradesh.
Leadership Defined by Integrity and Action
As an administrator, Mr. Antil is recognized for his zero-tolerance approach toward corruption and misconduct. He has suspended erring officers for unethical practices and implemented measures to ensure transparent investigations. His emphasis on swift response, humane policing, and institutional accountability reflects a modern, citizen-centric approach to law enforcement.
A Boost to Public Confidence and Law Enforcement Morale
The successful encounter represents not only a major breakthrough in the fight against organized crime but also a morale booster for the police force. It sends a strong message that law and order remain the top priority for the administration. The leadership of Mr. Antil and coordination with the STF stand as examples of inter-agency cooperation and effective field strategy in modern policing.
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