Ghazipur, Sep 24 (Reporter) A criminal carrying a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh was shot dead in an exchange of fire with the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday in Ghazipur's Dildar Nagar area, an official source said. Mohammad Zahid, alias Sonu, was killed in a joint operation by STF's Noida unit, Gahmar Kotwali, and GRP Dildarnagar. An illegal pistol, two empty cartridges, and a bag of illegal country liquor were recovered from the possession of the deceased. His accomplice managed to escape from the spot, police said. According to police, Zahid and his accomplice had killed two RPF constables, Javed Khan and Pramod Kumar, on the intervening night of August 19-20. The constables were trying to stop the smuggling of illegal liquor in the Barmer-Guwahati Express. The liquor smugglers attacked the two constables and pushed them out of the moving train, leading to their deaths. Ghazipur Superintendent of Police Dr Iraj Raja confirmed the action and said further investigation was underway. He said that during the encounter near Gopalpur village under Dildarnagar police station, when the police team tried to catch Zahid, he opened fire on the police team. In self-defence, the police retaliated, in which Zahid was seriously injured. He died on way to the district hospital in Ghazipur. Mohammad Zahid has several cases of kidnapping, assault, and liquor smuggling registered against him. A reward of one lakh rupees was declared on him. Two policemen were also injured in the encounter and were referred to Bhadaura for treatment, police said...////...