A man wanted in 48 criminal cases and carrying a reward of Rs 1.5 lakh on his head was killed in an encounter with police here in which two police personnel were also injured on Sunday, officials said.

The incident took place when Circle Officer, Anupshahr, police station in-charge Ahaar, and the SWAT team were pursuing two suspects on a motorcycle.

The suspects, upon noticing the police, attempted to flee and opened fire on the officers.

“In the ensuing exchange of fire, one of the suspicious individuals was injured while the other managed to flee. The injured succumbed to injuries while being transported to a hospital. The deceased criminal has been identified as Rajesh,” police said in a statement here.

Rajesh was named in over 48 cases ranging from attempt to murder and causing physical harm lodged against him in several police stations of Bulandshahr and Aligarh.

A reward of Rs 1.5 lakh had been previously announced for Rajesh’s arrest.

“In the cross fire with the accused, the station house officer of Ahaar police station Young Bahadur and constable Arif sustained injuries. The circle officer and SWAT team in-charge were also targeted but were protected by their bulletproof jackets,” the statement said.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.