Anuj Kannaujia, Notorious Mukhtar Ansari Gang Shooter, Eliminated in Jamshedpur Police Operation
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Synopsis
Anuj Kannaujia, a notorious sharpshooter of the Mukhtar Ansari gang, was killed in a police encounter in Jamshedpur during a joint operation by UP STF and Jharkhand Police. This comes after years of being a fugitive wanted in numerous criminal cases.
Key Takeaways
- Anuj Kannaujia was linked to the Mukhtar Ansari gang.
- He was involved in 23 criminal cases.
- The police operation was based on specific intelligence.
- Kannaujia opened fire before being neutralized.
- Authorities recovered firearms and ammunition at the scene.
Lucknow, March 30 (NationPress) Anuj Kannaujia, a 50-year-old sharpshooter linked to the Mukhtar Ansari gang, was fatally shot during a police encounter late Saturday night. This incident occurred amid a coordinated operation involving the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) and the Jharkhand Police in Jamshedpur, according to an official report.
During the encounter, STF Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) DK Shahi sustained injuries.
“The police units were attempting to apprehend Anuj Kannaujia based on gathered intelligence when he opened fire on the officers. Kannaujia was ultimately killed in the crossfire,” stated Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Uttar Pradesh STF.
On the run for over five years, Kannaujia was a suspect in 23 criminal cases, which included serious offenses such as murder, extortion, land grabbing, and arms smuggling.
Recently, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar increased the reward for information leading to his capture from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh as part of efforts to locate him.
The operation was initiated based on reliable intelligence regarding Kannaujia’s movements in Jamshedpur. When the police team attempted to apprehend him, he retaliated by firing nearly 20 rounds and even threw a bomb in a desperate attempt to escape. This forced the security forces to engage in a fierce gunfight. In the course of the exchange, DySP DK Shahi was shot in the shoulder but continued to lead the operation. Ultimately, Kannaujia was neutralized after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” added the ADG of Uttar Pradesh STF.
Following the encounter, law enforcement officials recovered two pistols, a significant quantity of live ammunition, and mobile phones from the scene.
Authorities are currently analyzing the mobile devices for possible insights into his criminal activities, revealed an officer familiar with the investigation.
A resident of Bahlolpur village in Chiraiyakot, Mau, Kannaujia had a notorious background of violent crimes and was regarded as one of the most feared members of the Mukhtar Ansari gang.
His extensive criminal history affected multiple districts, with six cases registered at Mau’s Kotwali police station, five in Rani Ki Sarai, two in Dakshin Tola, and three in Chiraiyakot, in addition to various other reports in Ghazipur and Azamgarh, as noted by the official.
In recent years, there has been an intensified crackdown on Kannaujia and his associates by law enforcement.
As part of a statewide anti-mafia initiative, authorities demolished his residence in Azamgarh using heavy machinery, and his family members have been charged under the Gangster Act and incarcerated, the officer confirmed.
