An accused in the murder of a rape victim was arrested in an encounter with the police in Mahewaghat area of Kaushambi district here in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, a senior police officer said here.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava told UNI that on November 20 a rape victim was killed by Pawan, his brothers Ashok, Prabhu and Lokchandra.

"Ashok and his accomplice Subhash in an encounter with the police on November 22. Ashok received three bullet injuries in the encounter and is admitted to a hospital," he said.

He said that the police were continuously looking for Pawan, his brothers Prabhu and Lokchandra.

"On Saturday morning information was received that Pawan was present in Mahewaghat area.

Acting on the tip off the police surrounded the area during which the accused in a bid to escape opened fire on the police party," he said.

The SP said that in retaliatory firing Pawan sustained bullet injury in his leg and was arrested. "He has been admitted to the district hospital. A reward of Rs 25,000 was announced on his arrest," he said.

He said that in May 2022 Pawan raped a 20-year-old girl after which he was arrested and sent to jail. "After getting bail a few days back Pawan and his family members were pressurising the girl to compromise. On November 20 when the victim was returning from the police station the accused attacked her with an axe and killed her," he said.

(With UNI inputs)