Ashu alias Monty, a notorious gangster connected to organised crime in western Uttar Pradesh, was killed in a police encounter in Moradabad on Wednesday night. He had been implicated in 36 serious criminal cases spanning five districts, including murder and extortion. The encounter was initiated following intelligence reports indicating that Ashu was in Moradabad to collect extortion money from Arshu Dhal, the owner of Wazirchand Exports, who had received threats demanding ₹5 crore. During the police operation, Ashu was shot and later died in the hospital. Authorities recovered a large cache of weapons, including a pistol and a revolver, along with ₹5 lakh in cash. Ashu's criminal activities date back to 2010, and he was previously associated with the Udham Singh gang, raising concerns about the gang's potential resurgence following the recent release of its leader from jail. Investigations are ongoing to locate his accomplice and other gang members involved in the extortion scheme.