UP Gangster Anand Singh Thakur Arrested in Surat After Months on the Run; Accused Led ‘Sholay’ Gang in Pratapgarh and Jaunpur

A notorious gangster from Uttar Pradesh, Anand Singh Thakur, who had been on the radar of law enforcement agencies for several months in connection with multiple extortion and attempted murder cases, has been arrested in Surat, Gujarat.

Police said the accused had been hiding in the city to evade arrest and feared a possible encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF).

Thakur, known for operating a criminal gang called “Sholay” in the districts of Pratapgarh and Jaunpur, allegedly built a reputation for intimidation, extortion and violent attacks.

Investigators say his gang routinely targeted businessmen, professionals and residents by issuing threats and opening fire to spread fear in the region.

According to Surat Police, the gangster was detained by the city crime branch in the Khatodara area after officers grew suspicious of his movements.

During the operation, police recovered two country-made pistols and six live cartridges from his possession. He was later formally arrested under provisions of the Arms Act.

Providing details of the case, Surat Joint Commissioner of Police Karanraj Vaghela said Thakur was wanted in at least five serious criminal cases registered in Uttar Pradesh this year alone.

Police officials described him as one of the most feared criminals operating in the region.

Investigators said one of the major incidents linked to Thakur’s gang took place in December 2025, when his associates allegedly fired at Sonu Upadhyay, the brother of his rival Sandeep Upadhyay, in Pratapgarh.

The rivalry reportedly escalated tensions between local criminal groups in the area.

In another case, Thakur allegedly demanded an extortion payment of Rs 1 crore from Thomas Joseph, the principal of a convent school in Jaunpur, on January 28.

When the demand was not met, armed members of his gang reportedly opened fire at the school’s main gate to terrorise the institution.

Police said the intimidation did not stop there — a second round of firing allegedly took place on February 14 to increase pressure on the school administration.

Authorities further claimed that on the same day, the gang targeted a doctor identified as Dr B.K. Bengali after he allegedly refused to pay an extortion amount of Rs 50,000.

Another bank officer in Jaunpur was also reportedly threatened and attacked, with the gang demanding Rs 2 lakh.

Police say these repeated incidents created panic among residents and professionals in the affected districts.

Several serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, extortion and criminal intimidation, have been invoked against Thakur and his associates.

Many members of his gang had already been arrested earlier, while Thakur himself had managed to evade capture for months.

Police sources said the Uttar Pradesh government had announced a reward of Rs 1.5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

Security agencies had reportedly been tracking his movements after receiving intelligence inputs that he was hiding in Surat.

Officers from UP Police had even visited the Gujarat city nearly three months ago and coordinated with local authorities to locate him.

Investigators also revealed details about Thakur’s criminal background. According to police sources, he allegedly entered the world of crime at the age of 18 and gradually built a network across parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

During his time in Surat’s Palsana area, he reportedly remained in regular contact with a woman in Uttar Pradesh through WhatsApp and frequently changed SIM cards to avoid surveillance and tracking.

Police officials say they will seek his custody remand for further interrogation. Surat Police have already informed the UP STF about the arrest, and once legal formalities are completed.

Thakur is expected to be handed over to Uttar Pradesh authorities for further investigation and trial.