Accused in cricketer's murder case killed in encounter

A key accused in the murder of cricketer Gagandeep Singh, a member of India's under-19 squad, was shot dead in an encounter with police here today. Ankit Chauhan, who was also involved in eight criminal cases and carried a cash reward of Rs 30,000 on his head, was killed near the DAV crossing at around 2:45 pm, superintendent of police J K Shahi said.A police Inspector was wounded in the encounter and was admitted to a hospital, he said.In Lucknow, ADGP (Law and Order) Brij Lal told reporters that a 9 mm pistol and some cartridges were recovered from his possession.As many as eight criminal cases, including murder, were pending against Chauhan in Delhi, Meerut and Bulandshahr, Lal said.Singh, a left-arm spinner, was shot dead outside an eatery in Meerut where he had gone to eat kebabs on October 9 last year.