Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh — July 12, 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Mohammad Zaid Khan alias Sameer, a convicted rapist and absconder, near Tomar Cold Storage on Lucknow–Mall Road in Hardoi district. Khan had escaped during a court appearance in Lucknow on June 18, 2025, after being sentenced to 20 years for a 2013 gang-rape and kidnapping case under the POCSO Act .
Zaid Khan, 35, son of the late Aslam Khan and resident of Yameen Ganj (Saadatganj police station), was serving his sentence when he slipped from police custody. Following his escape, a new FIR was registered, and two constables—Farid Ahmed and Muqeem—were suspended for dereliction of duty .
STF Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Singh, leading the operation, received credible intelligence that Khan was extorting and threatening a Lucknow-based builder for ₹14 lakh. Acting on this lead, STF teamed up with local police and set a trap that resulted in his arrest.
At the time of arrest, Khan was found carrying a .32‑bore pistol, live and spent cartridges, ₹1,220 in cash, and a mobile phone. A reward of ₹50,000 had been declared for information leading to his capture. During interrogation, Khan admitted he planned to kill the builder over a financial dispute .
A fresh case has been filed under Section 262 of the BNS Act at Wazirganj police station, and Khan is set to be transferred back to Lucknow’s court custody. The STF confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
