Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Along with operations against Naxal and extremist outfits, Jharkhand Police have also stepped up encounters against organised criminals. In the last nine months, five notorious offenders have been killed in gunfights with security forces across different districts, while two others from Jharkhand were shot dead by police in other states.
Key Encounters In The Past Nine Months
The list of major incidents includes the January 11 encounter in Ramgarh, where police eliminated dreaded criminal Rahul Turi. On March 11, gangster Aman Sahu — accused in over 100 cases — was gunned down by the ATS in Palamu. Later that month, on March 29, UP STF and Jharkhand ATS jointly neutralised Mukhtar Ansari gang sharpshooter Anuj Kanojia in Jamshedpur. On August 10, Suryya Hansda was killed during an operation in Godda, sparking debate as his supporters claimed he was a social worker while police identified him as a hardened criminal. Most recently, on September 20, police shot dead Uttam Yadav during a gun battle in Chatra.
Organised Crime Remains A Challenge
Despite these successes, organised gangs continue to pose a threat in nine districts, including Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ramgarh, Chatra, Latehar, Garhwa, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur. Around 10 major gangs with 633 members are active across these areas. Authorities note that sustained action by Jharkhand ATS in recent months has significantly curbed the activities of such groups, though continued vigilance remains essential.
