Lucknow, June 8 (AHN) The Uttar Pradesh Police and the Special Task Force (STF) have intensified their ongoing crackdown on criminal networks across the state, carrying out a series of encounters and coordinated operations over the past 36 hours.

From Ayodhya and Jhansi to Lucknow, Hapur, Chandauli, Saharanpur and Shravasti, law enforcement agencies launched multiple actions against wanted criminals, leading to the arrest of several accused persons and the neutralisation of one notorious offender.

According to available information, a total of seven major encounters were reported during the period. One accused was killed, while six others sustained injuries during police action and were admitted to hospitals for treatment.

The operations targeted individuals allegedly involved in offences ranging from murder, robbery and kidnapping to gang rape, theft and organised crime.

The most significant operation took place in Ayodhya, where the STF gunned down notorious contract killer and sharpshooter Bhanu Pratap Singh, also known as Bablu.

Carrying a reward of more than Rs 1 lakh, Bhanu Pratap Singh was wanted in dozens of criminal cases and had a long history of alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder, dacoity, robbery, kidnapping and offences under the Gangster Act.

The encounter occurred late Sunday night in the Maharajganj police station area. According to officials, the STF intercepted the accused during an operation, and an exchange of fire followed.

Bhanu Pratap Singh sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to Ayodhya Medical College in critical condition, where doctors later declared him dead. Police officials said the accused had spread fear across several districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and was among the region’s most wanted criminals.

In Jhansi, police achieved another breakthrough in a murder case that had shocked the city. Around 24 hours earlier, five individuals, including a hotel owner, had allegedly attacked Gaurishankar Kushwaha and his uncle, Murari, near Shivani Hotel on the Delhi Highway under the Sipri Bazar police station area.

The attack was reportedly carried out using sharp-edged weapons. Gaurishankar succumbed to his injuries, while Murari was injured.

Following the registration of a case, police launched an intensive manhunt for the accused. Within hours of the crime, two suspects, including the hotel owner, were arrested and sent to jail. However, the principal accused and other associates remained at large.

During a subsequent operation, police confronted the remaining accused, resulting in an exchange of fire. The main accused, identified as Chigara, was injured by police gunfire, while another accused, Raggu, surrendered during the operation. Police recovered weapons allegedly used in the murder, along with country-made pistols and ammunition. One accused in the case is still on the run.

In Lucknow, police claimed a major success in solving a case involving the alleged molestation, assault and attempted murder of a woman under the Ghazipur police station limits.

Investigators first arrested accused Sumit Kashyap after examining CCTV footage and gathering technical evidence. During interrogation, he allegedly revealed the involvement of his associate Sunny, also known as Shani Kashyap. The second accused was later apprehended after an encounter with police.

Another major operation was reported from Hapur, where police confronted a gang of motorcycle-borne robbers allegedly involved in a high-profile robbery at the residence of local businessman Narendra Kabadi.

During the encounter on a highway stretch, police opened retaliatory fire after the suspects allegedly attempted to escape and resist arrest.

Two accused, identified as Rohit and Shane Alam, sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter, while three other members of the gang were arrested. Authorities said efforts are underway to verify the identities and criminal backgrounds of the remaining suspects.

In Chandauli district, police arrested the principal shooter in a murder case that had taken place just a day earlier. Officials stated that the accused allegedly opened fire on the police team when confronted.

In the retaliatory action that followed, he suffered gunshot injuries to both legs and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the accused and another arrested individual were also linked to a robbery committed in the Balua police station area on June 3. Both suspects belong to different police station jurisdictions within the Chandauli district and reportedly have multiple criminal cases registered against them.

Meanwhile, in Saharanpur, police conducted a late-night operation connected to a buffalo theft case in the Nangal police station area. Officers received information that suspects transporting a stolen buffalo were hiding in a forested area near Nainsob village along the under-construction Delhi-Haridwar highway.

Acting on the tip-off, police surrounded the area and moved in to apprehend the suspects. According to officials, the accused opened fire upon seeing the police team. In the ensuing exchange, one suspect was shot in the leg, while another attempted to flee.

A search operation was immediately launched, leading to his capture. Both accused were arrested and are being produced before the court before being sent to jail.

Another significant development came from Shravasti district, where police arrested an accused wanted in connection with gang rape, criminal conspiracy, offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and illegal possession of firearms.

The arrest was carried out by a joint team of Sonwa and Kotwali Bhinga police stations as part of a district-wide campaign against wanted criminals. During the encounter, the accused sustained injuries and was subsequently taken into custody.

Police recovered a .315-bore country-made pistol, a live cartridge, two spent cartridges, a mobile phone and Rs 1,200 in cash from his possession. He was initially admitted to the Community Health Centre in Sonwa and later referred to the District Hospital in Bhinga for further treatment.

The officials said that the latest series of operations underscores the Uttar Pradesh Police’s continuing drive against organised crime and repeat offenders.

With seven encounters reported across multiple districts within a span of 36 hours, authorities say the campaign against criminals will continue, while investigations into the various cases remain ongoing.