Meerut, Oct. 25 -- A wanted criminal carrying a reward of Rs.1 lakh on his arrest, was shot dead during an encounter with police in Bhogi Majra village under Jhinjhana police station in Shamli on Thursday evening. The slain accused, identified as Faisal of Meerut, was wanted in 17 serious criminal cases, including murder and robbery. A police constable was also injured in the exchange of fire. According to police, the encounter took place near Bhogi Majra on the Bhogimajra-Machroli road when the Jhinjhana police team, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG), tried to intercept Faisal. He opened fire on the police, prompting retaliation. Faisal sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His accomplice managed to flee the spot. Police recovered a motorcycle and two pistols from the scene. During the encounter, Jhinjhana SHO Virendra Kasana and SOG in-charge Kuldeep Singh narrowly escaped being hit, while SOG constable Deepak suffered a bullet injury in his leg and was hospitalized. Superintendent of police NP Singh said the slain criminal was a sharpshooter of the Sanjeev gang and was wanted in two robbery incidents . A cash reward of Rs.1 lakh had been announced on his arrest....