Fugitive Contract Killer Lived as a ‘Doctor’ While on the Run, Treated Villagers Across Districts

STF Reveals Shocking Double Life of Wanted Criminal Killed in Prayagraj Encounter

Fresh details have emerged about Bhanu Pratap Singh, alias Bablu, the alleged contract killer who was killed in a Special Task Force (STF) encounter in Prayagraj.

Investigators say the wanted criminal spent years evading arrest by adopting the identity of a rural doctor and travelling from village to village providing basic medical treatment.

According to STF officials, Bhanu had carefully crafted a new persona while remaining on the run.

He reportedly treated villagers for common ailments such as fever, cough, headaches, body pain and stomach-related problems.

Residents who sought his help believed he was a genuine medical practitioner and had little idea about his criminal background.

Treated Poor Patients Without Charging Fees

Investigators revealed that Bhanu often offered treatment to economically weaker families and, in many cases, did not charge any consultation fee.

His willingness to help people in remote areas helped him gain trust and avoid suspicion.

Police believe this strategy allowed him to blend into rural communities and move freely across districts without attracting attention.

By maintaining the image of a compassionate healer, he successfully concealed his identity from law enforcement agencies for a considerable period.

Changed Locations Frequently to Avoid Detection

Officials said Bhanu constantly shifted his base and operated from different villages and towns to stay ahead of the police.

He reportedly avoided staying in one place for too long and frequently altered his routine whenever he sensed potential danger.

The STF had been tracking his movements for an extended period and gathering intelligence from multiple districts.

Authorities eventually received credible information about his whereabouts, leading to the operation that ended in his death.

Intense 30-Minute Gun Battle in the Forest

The encounter took place late at night in a forested area under the jurisdiction of Maharajganj police station.

Acting on intelligence inputs, an STF team led by Inspector J.P. Rai moved in to intercept the suspect.

Police said that when officers attempted to stop him, Bhanu tried to escape on a motorcycle.

As the team closed in, he allegedly opened fire, prompting the STF personnel to retaliate.

What followed was a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted nearly 30 minutes.

During the encounter, approximately 26 rounds were fired.

Bhanu sustained bullet injuries and collapsed at the scene, while one of his associates managed to flee under the cover of darkness.

Weapons Recovered from the Spot

Following the operation, police recovered firearms and ammunition from the encounter site. The seized weapons have been sent for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials said the encounter marked the end of a long manhunt for a criminal accused in several serious offences, including murder, extortion, robbery and organized crime activities.

Had Checked Into a Prayagraj Hotel Before the Encounter

Investigators also discovered that Bhanu had recently stayed at a hotel in Prayagraj before the encounter.

STF teams traced his movements and found that he had rented a room there while making preparations for his next destination.

Authorities suspect he was using the city as a temporary stopover and maintaining contact with members of his network.

Information gathered from hotel records and other sources reportedly helped investigators narrow down his location.

Villagers Shocked by His Criminal Identity

News of Bhanu’s death came as a surprise to many villagers who knew him only as a doctor.

Residents who had received treatment from him struggled to reconcile the image of a helpful healthcare provider with the allegations of his involvement in serious crimes.

Several people expressed disbelief after learning about his criminal past, saying he appeared polite, approachable and willing to assist those in need.

Investigation Into Network Continues

While the encounter has brought an end to Bhanu’s alleged criminal career, police are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend his associates.

Investigators are examining his contacts, financial links and movements across multiple districts to uncover the full extent of the network that helped him remain hidden for years.

The case has highlighted the extraordinary lengths to which some fugitives go to evade arrest, while also underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tracking individuals who successfully create entirely new identities.