Uttar Pradesh: Anti-Terrorist squad and police eliminate Naxalite who carried bounty of ₹30 lakh on his head

Naxalite Brijesh Ganjhu killed in encounter (Image via X)

A Naxalite carrying a total bounty of Rs 30 lakh was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and police in Varanasi early Sunday morning, 20th September, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Brijesh Ganjhu alias Gopal Singh Bhokta, a resident of Chatra district in Jharkhand. Ganjhu worked with the Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), a banned Naxalite group that emerged as a splinter group of the CPI (Maoist) and is active in Jharkhand. 

According to police, the encounter took place near Lanka Maidan in Ramnagar, Varanasi. Ganjhu was travelling on a motorcycle with an associate from Tegara crossing towards Mughalsarai through Ramnagar.

Acting on information from an informer, a police team tried to stop and arrest him. Police said Ganjhu got off the motorcycle and opened fire at the personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

During the firing, Ganjhu sustained bullet injuries. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

₹30 lakh reward announced

The Jharkhand government had announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for information leading to Ganjhu’s arrest. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh. This took the total bounty on him to Rs 30 lakh.

Police said Ganjhu was wanted in connection with Naxal activities and was being tracked by security agencies.

Two police personnel saved by bulletproof jackets

During the exchange of fire, bullets hit the bulletproof jackets of UP ATS Deputy Superintendent of Police Vipin Rai and Head Constable Nitendra Krishna. Both officers were protected by their bulletproof gear and escaped serious injury.

Police teams are now examining the encounter site and collecting evidence as part of the investigation.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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