In a major law-and-order operation in Uttar Pradesh, the Special Task Force (STF) shot dead Bhanu Singh, the main accused in a businessman murder case, during an encounter. According to police, Singh had been absconding for a long period, carried a reward of Rs 200,000, and faced around 40 criminal cases, including murder, extortion, robbery, attempted murder and charges under the Gangster Act.
According to available information, the STF received intelligence about Bhanu Singh’s presence in Ayodhya. A special operation was launched and the area was cordoned off. Police officials said that when the STF team approached the accused, he opened fire instead of surrendering.
Police said Bhanu Singh was carrying an advanced weapon similar to a Sten gun. He allegedly began firing continuously at the STF team. Following the sudden gunfire, security personnel responded and an exchange of fire took place for some time. The accused was subsequently seriously injured.
After the encounter, Bhanu Singh was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Security arrangements in the area were strengthened following the incident, and police conducted searches across the locality to gather information about his associates.
Bhanu Singh was considered among the state's noted criminals. Police records show that approximately 40 cases had been registered against him in different districts. These included murder, attempted murder, extortion, possession of illegal weapons, kidnapping and several cases linked to organised crime. Following the businessman murder case, he had been placed on the priority list of security agencies.
The Uttar Pradesh STF had been searching for him for several months. Despite raids in multiple districts, he continued changing locations. Police claimed that the operation was planned after receiving precise information about his recent movements.
Sources said the Rs 200,000 reward had been announced for his arrest. Police believed he was linked to an active criminal network, and several of his associates remain under the watch of law enforcement agencies.
Senior police and administrative officials reached the spot soon after receiving information about the encounter. Weapons and other materials recovered from the scene have been seized and an investigation has begun. Authorities said the matter will undergo the prescribed inquiry and legal procedures.
Police officials described the operation as a success in the ongoing campaign against criminals in the state. They said action against individuals involved in organised crime and serious criminal activities will continue. Following Bhanu Singh’s death, investigating agencies are examining his network, associates and cases linked to him.
