Sambhal, July 17: An unspecified number of criminals on Wednesday attacked a police van carrying 24 under-trials prisoners to jail after court hearings. Two constables were killed in the audacious attack on the police team. Three under-trials took advantage of the situation and managed to flee with the criminals who also decamped with a police rifle. The police van was attacked near Baniyather area in Sambhal.

The police team was escorting 24 under-trial prisoners to Moradabad jail after hearings in a Chandausi court. At around 4:30 pm, the heavily-armed criminals attacked the police van near Dhannumal Tiaraha. "The incident happened when the under-trials were being taken back. Two policemen have been killed while the criminals also decamped away with a rifle. Combing operation is in progress to nab the culprits," Sambhal SP Yamuna Prasad said. UP: Shooting in Sonbhadra Over Property Dispute, 9 Killed.

Two constables, identified Harendra and Brijpal, were seriously injured in the attack. They were rushed to a hospital, but were declared dead on arrival, reports said. Following the attack, city limits have been sealed and teams have been formed to nab the criminals. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the attack and expressed his condolences on deaths of two police personnel. UP Shooting: Minister Cries Foul, Says High-level Officials Are 'hiding Things'.

Adityanath directed the police department to provide compensation of Rs 50 lakhs to deceased officers' families. He also announced government job for one dependent from each family and extraordinary pension to the wife of the deceased.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2019 10:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).