Was a Jharkhand Mafia Member Gunned Down in Prayagraj by UP STF?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashish Ranjan was a prominent mafia figure wanted for serious crimes.
- The STF's rapid response led to his neutralization in a dangerous encounter.
- Law enforcement continues to pursue organized crime actively.
- Successful recovery of stolen money in a separate robbery case demonstrates police efficiency.
- Community safety remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies.
Prayagraj, Aug 7 (NationPress) In a dramatic late-night confrontation on Wednesday, a well-known mafia associate from Jharkhand, Ashish Ranjan alias Chhotu Singh, was shot dead by the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh in the Shankargarh locality of Prayagraj.
Armed with an AK-47 and a 9 mm pistol, the criminal opened fire at the STF team upon being intercepted, prompting a swift and effective counter-response that ultimately led to his demise.
Hailing from J.C. Malik Road in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, Ashish Ranjan was a fugitive with multiple murder charges against him and a substantial reward for his capture.
After receiving intelligence regarding his plans for a significant crime near Shivrajpur Chauraha in Shankargarh, STF Inspector J.P. Rai and his team set up an ambush.
When challenged, Ashish Ranjan attempted to escape while firing at the officers, narrowly evading several personnel. He sustained critical injuries during the exchange and was later pronounced dead at a medical facility.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47, a 9 mm pistol, numerous cartridges, and a motorcycle. Authorities confirmed his links to a range of heinous crimes and commended the STF's rapid action in neutralizing the danger.
In a separate incident, law enforcement and a SWAT team engaged with Naveed, the primary suspect in a robbery that took place on August 4 in the Shikarpur region of Bulandshahr. Naveed was injured during the return fire and was apprehended before being transported to the district hospital.
Authorities recovered over Rs 2.11 lakh in cash, a pistol, both live and spent cartridges, a backpack, and a motorcycle from him.
Four of Naveed's accomplices have already been captured, and law enforcement officials have successfully retrieved a total of Rs 6.98 lakh from the stolen amount, achieving a full recovery in the case.