Poonam Nath

Mukhtar Ansari Gang Shooter Anuj Kannaujia Killed In Joint Police Operation In Jharkhand

Digital Desk: Anuj Kannaujia, a 50-year-old Mukhtar Ansari gang sniper, was killed in a police encounter late Saturday in Jamshedpur during a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) and the Jharkhand Police, according to an official.

However, DK Shahi, STF Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), was hurt during the confrontation.

"The STF and Jharkhand police attempted to apprehend Anuj Kannaujia based on information gathered, but they opened fire on the security officers. "Anuj Kannaujia was killed in cross-fire," stated Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Uttar Pradesh STF.

Kannaujia had been on the run for over five years and was wanted for 23 criminal crimes, including murder, extortion, land grabbing, and arms smuggling.

In an attempt to locate him, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar recently boosted his reward from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh for any information leading to his arrest.

Following the meeting, authorities discovered two firearms, a significant stockpile of live cartridges, and mobile phones on the scene.

The mobile phones are currently being reviewed for any clues on his criminal network, according to an officer familiar with the investigation.

Kannaujia, a feared criminal, is one of the most dreaded agents in the Mukhtar Ansari gang. In recent years, police have stepped up their efforts to prosecute him and his cronies.

As part of a statewide anti-mafia campaign, officials used a bulldozer to demolish Kannaujia's residence in Azamgarh, and his family members were arrested under the Gangster Act and imprisoned.