A major development has taken place in the Ghaziabad ‘Bakrid invite’ murder case, with the main accused, Asad, being shot dead in a police encounter late on Saturday night. The accused was wanted in connection with the killing of a Class 11 student in Khoda Colony earlier this week.The incident has triggered shock in the local area, while police say the accused was attempting to flee and allegedly opened fire before being neutralised in retaliatory action.Who Was the Victim in the Khoda Colony Stabbing Case?The victim, 17-year-old Surya Pratap, a Class 11 student of a private school and resident of Navneet Vihar in Khoda Colony, was stabbed during an altercation on Thursday evening near Sharma Dairy.He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Friday afternoon.According to Surya’s elder brother, Yash, the attack was intentional and brutal.“My brother and his friends Ayush and Vicky were together. They encountered Asad in the lane. He started abusing and stabbed my brother four times in the abdomen with intent to kill,” Yash told police.How Did the Ghaziabad Encounter Take Place?Police said they received intelligence that Asad was planning to meet associates in the Khoda police station area and possibly flee after collecting money.Security teams set up checkpoints and began combing the area.According to officials: “Asad and one of his friends were seen arriving on a bike. The police team tried to stop them, but instead of stopping, they opened fire,” a senior officer said.Police added that they responded in self-defence, leading to the encounter in which Asad was shot. He was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries.A constable was also injured during the exchange of fire and is currently receiving treatment.‘Bakrid Invite’ Angle and What Witnesses SaidThe case gained attention due to disturbing claims made by witnesses regarding how the confrontation began.Friend Vicky, who was present during the incident, said Surya was initially invited by a neighbourhood youth in connection with Bakrid.He told police: “They met Asad in the lane and the conversation turned into an argument.”Vicky also recounted the accused’s alleged remarks during the confrontation: “Tumne kabhi bakra halal hote dekha hai?” Asad allegedly asked.To which Surya reportedly replied: “Nahi.”Vicky further said Asad then added: “Aao dikhate hain (Come, we will show you).”He added that when Surya tried to leave, the situation escalated into violence.Police Investigation Into Ghaziabad Murder CasePolice have confirmed that Asad was wanted in the Ghaziabad murder case and was under active search. His motorcycle and weapon were recovered after the encounter.Officials said a detailed investigation is underway to examine the sequence of events, including the initial stabbing incident and the encounter that followed.Authorities have assured that all angles will be thoroughly examined as part of the ongoing probe.Inputs from TOI