Notorious Gangster with ₹1 Lakh Bounty Killed in Encounter
A joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) and local police in Ayodhya led to the death of a high-profile criminal wanted in connection with the infamous Dudhiya Prithviraj Yadav murder case in Azamgarh. The accused, identified as Bhanu Pratap Singh, also known as Bablu Singh, carried a bounty of ₹1 lakh on his head and had been evading arrest for an extended period. His elimination has brought a significant sense of relief to law enforcement authorities.
Details of the Criminal
Bhanu Pratap Singh, a resident of Vidhanapar village under the Belghat police station in Gorakhpur district, was a primary suspect in the murder of Prithviraj Yadav, a dairy businessman from Piparapur. Investigators alleged that Singh orchestrated the killing for a contract payment. The case had gained significant notoriety in the Mubarakpur area of Azamgarh.
Singh’s criminal record was extensive. Authorities had registered over three dozen criminal cases against him across six districts, including Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Mau, Ambedkar Nagar, and Basti. His charges ranged from murder, robbery, and kidnapping to attempted murder, theft, and violations of the Arms Act. The sheer volume of his offenses made him a top priority for police forces in the region.
Manhunt and Escalating Reward
Despite continuous efforts to capture him, Singh managed to stay one step ahead of the law. Initially, the Azamgarh police had announced a reward of ₹25,000 for his arrest. However, as his criminal network expanded and he continued to evade capture, the reward was increased to ₹1 lakh. In addition, police departments in Ambedkar Nagar and Gorakhpur had also placed separate bounties on him, reflecting the widespread threat he posed.
The Encounter Operation
The breakthrough came on Sunday when a combined team from the STF field unit in Prayagraj and the local police cornered Singh in Ayodhya. According to officials, when the officers attempted to apprehend him, Singh opened fire on them. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, he sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical staff declared him dead upon arrival.
Impact on Ongoing Investigations
Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Anil Kumar confirmed that Singh’s death is a major breakthrough in the Prithviraj Yadav murder investigation. He noted that the operation would help clarify several aspects of the case and dismantle the criminal network connected to it. The police believe that this action sends a strong message to other active criminals in the district, reinforcing the commitment to law and order.
- Key Charges Against Bhanu Pratap Singh:
- Contract killing of dairy businessman Prithviraj Yadav
- Multiple counts of murder and attempted murder
- Armed robbery and dacoity
- Kidnapping for ransom
- Possession of illegal arms under the Arms Act
The successful operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in tackling organized crime. With one of the region’s most wanted criminals now neutralized, local authorities are optimistic about further progress in resolving pending cases and curbing criminal activities in the area.
