Prayagraj Encounter: Contract Killer Bhanu Yadav Killed After 30-Minute Gunfight, Police Recover Weapons and Cash
A notorious criminal carrying a bounty of ₹1 lakh and alleged contract killer, Bhanu Yadav, was killed in a late-night police encounter in Prayagraj after an intense exchange of fire that lasted nearly 30 minutes.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Special Task Force (STF) and local police teams on Sunday night.
According to officials, Bhanu Yadav was wanted in connection with dozens of serious criminal cases and had remained on the run for a long period.
Investigators said he was involved in a range of offences, including murder, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other organised crimes.
A total of 41 criminal cases were reportedly registered against him across various police stations.
STF Launched Operation Based on Intelligence Inputs
Police sources said the STF received specific intelligence regarding Bhanu Yadav’s movements.
Acting on the information, the STF Prayagraj unit, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramod Yadav, coordinated with local law enforcement and launched a search operation.
During surveillance, officers learned that Bhanu Yadav, also known as Bablu, was travelling with his associates and planning to meet contacts in the area.
Based on these inputs, police teams laid a trap in the Manda region under Maharajganj police station limits.
Fierce Exchange of Fire in Maharajganj
As officers attempted to intercept the suspects, they encountered resistance. Police said the criminals opened fire in an effort to escape, prompting security personnel to retaliate.
The gun battle continued for nearly half an hour.
During the encounter, Bhanu Yadav sustained gunshot injuries. He was immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment, where doctors later declared him dead.
Associates Escaped During Operation
Officials stated that while Bhanu Yadav was neutralised, some of his accomplices managed to flee the scene under the cover of darkness.
Police teams have launched an extensive search operation to trace and apprehend the absconding suspects.
Weapons, Cash and Vehicles Seized
Following the encounter, law enforcement personnel recovered a pistol, cartridges, a country-made firearm, a motorcycle and other materials from the scene.
Police also seized nearly ₹1 lakh in cash believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Authorities said the recovered items would form part of the ongoing investigation, and forensic examination of the weapons has been initiated.
Long Criminal History
Investigators described Bhanu Yadav as a habitual offender with an extensive criminal record spanning several years.
His name had surfaced in multiple cases involving violent crime, and he was reportedly one of the most wanted criminals in the region.
Senior police officials said the operation was conducted as part of an ongoing campaign against organised crime and repeat offenders.
Further investigations are underway to identify the full network associated with the deceased criminal and track down those who escaped during the encounter.
The successful operation is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against organised crime in eastern Uttar Pradesh, with authorities pledging continued action against gangs and hardened offenders operating in the state.
