The wife of the suspect also dies after she was lynched by an angry mob

Over 20 children, aged between six months and 15 years, were rescued after an armed man, a murder convict who took them hostage after inviting them for a birthday party at his house in a village at Farrukhabad, was killed on January 30 night, police said.

IG Kanpur. Mohit Agarwal said the suspect was shot dead in the encounter. "We have found a large cache of guns and gunpowder from him. He was constantly firing at police," Mr. Agarwal said.

The wife of the suspect also died after she was lynched by a mob of angry villagers when she attempted to flee the spot. However, the exact cause of death was not clear, said police. IG Mohit Agarwal said when the woman was sent to hospital, she was injured, bleeding from her head. The reason of death will be known in the post-mortem report,he said. "When her husband was firing at the police, the woman tried to flee from there...the villagers were angry and attacked her with bricks and stones," said the officer.

The hostage drama began at Kasaria village in the afternoon. Hours later, the accused released a six-month-old girl by handing her over to his neighbour from a balcony, they said.

Uttar Pradesh DGP O.P Singh said the suspect Subash Batham was engaged in talks by the police and administration "constructively" but he threatened to "blow up" the place many times. "And when we felt he was getting aggressive, the police team decided to attack. UP police team tried to enter, he fired on them and in exchange fire by the police team Subash Batham was killed," said Mr. Singh. Batham's wife was injured in the incident, Mr. Singh added.

Police said Batham handed over the girl to his neighbour from a balcony.

The motive of the accused was not known immediately.

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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an award of ₹10 lakh for the UP Police team that successfully carried out the rescue operation.

“All personnel who took part in the operation will be given a certificate of appreciation,” said UP Additional Chief Secretary Awanish K Awasthi.

Earlier, television channels have appealed to Batham to contact them in case he wanted to share his demands with the government or authorities.

“We are ensuring the safe rescue of the children and if needed, the NSG will also be called for the operation,” the DGP said earlier.

He said that commando units have been directed to reach the village.

U.P. Director-General of Police O.P. Singh said Batham was a convicted criminal in a murder case and probably out on parole.

The operation, starting from the negotiation, lasted eight hours. Two policemen were injured in the incident, said Mr. Singh.

(With inputs from PTI)