UP ‘Half Encounter’ Row: Prisoner Alleges Torture Before Shooting

A viral video from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh has triggered fresh controversy after an undertrial prisoner alleged torture and a staged police shooting, describing the incident as a “half encounter.” The footage surfaced following a judicial inspection of Deoband district jail and has renewed debate over encounter procedures and custodial conduct.

The video reportedly emerged after Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Parvinder Singh conducted a surprise inspection of the jail in the wake of strict observations by the Allahabad High Court regarding encounter protocols. During the inspection, injured inmates linked to encounter cases were questioned separately.

In the widely circulated clip, an inmate identified as Shehzad, a resident under Nagal police station limits, narrates his version of events to the judicial officer. He was arrested following a police encounter on November 19, 2025.

Prisoner alleges torture and staged shooting

According to the claims heard in the video, Shehzad stated that he was travelling to appear before a court when he was allegedly picked up from a park in the Shamli area. He claimed his mobile phone location could verify his presence there.

He further alleged that he was taken to a police outpost, physically assaulted, subjected to electric shocks, and pressured to confess to criminal offences.

The inmate claimed he was later taken to a forested area, made to stand near a motorcycle brought from the police station, and shot in the leg at close range. He alleged that officers subsequently fired additional rounds to depict the incident as an exchange of fire. During the interaction, he reportedly demonstrated to the judicial officer how the alleged shooting took place.

The video is believed to have been recorded between November 19 and November 28, 2025, during the period when he remained in custody.

Police version of events

Police statements issued at the time of the November 2025 encounter described a different sequence. According to the official account, officers conducting a checking drive signalled two motorcycle riders to stop. Police said the suspects opened fire and attempted to flee, prompting retaliatory action in self-defence. One suspect sustained a bullet injury to the leg, while the other escaped.

Authorities stated that a country-made pistol, cartridges, and a motorcycle were recovered from the injured accused, who was described as wanted in multiple criminal cases.

Legal developments and questions raised

Shehzad was granted bail on November 28, 2025. His lawyer has claimed that the accused was en route to court when his phone became unreachable and that the family later learned he had been shown injured in an encounter.

The viral clip has reignited debate among legal observers and residents regarding encounter procedures and custodial safeguards. However, officials have not issued a fresh statement addressing the allegations captured in the video.

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified. With conflicting narratives now in the public domain, attention has turned to whether a formal inquiry will be initiated to examine the claims and the circumstances surrounding the encounter.