Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is set to develop and direct a web series based on the life of recently encountered gangster Vikas Dubey. 

In a statement, Mehta said, “I see an edgy political thriller emerging out of this, and it will be very interesting to tell this story.”

Eight policemen, including DSP Devendra Mishra, were ambushed in Bikru village in Chaubeypur area of Kanpur when they were on their way to arrest Dubey and fell to bullets fired from rooftops shortly after midnight on July 3.

Dubey, who was carrying a reward of Rs five lakh on information regarding his whereabouts was arrested in  Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on July 9.  He was killed in an encounter by the Uttar Pradesh police the next day when a police vehicle carrying him from Ujjain to Kanpur met with an accident and he tried to escape from the spot, the police told PTI.

Mehta, known for directing acclaimed films like “Aligarh”, “Omerta” and the National Award-winning Rajkummar Rao-starrer “Shahid”, said he will approach the subject responsibly. He said, “It is a reflection of our times and our system where politics, crime and lawmakers form a curious nexus. It is early to discuss approach but it will be approached responsibly and as a fascinating recounting.”

Producer Shailesh R Singh’s Karma Media and Entertainment, in association with Polaroid Media, have bought the rights for the upcoming project on the gangster. Singh, who has previously produced acclaimed films such as “Aligarh”, “Shahid” and “Omerta” said he is excited for the project. He told PTI, “I have been following the whole story quite closely through news agencies and other means, killing of eight policemen shook the nation and started the seven days trail of Vikas Dubey which finally saw him killed in an encounter.”

He added, “I thought why not tell this story to the entire nation and bring out some real facts and go to the inner depth of the great to tell this story. I am overwhelmed to tell this story and really looking forward to it.”