STF Arrests Notorious Criminal Deva Gupta in Patna Night Raid
The Special Task Force (STF) conducted a significant operation on Thursday night, resulting in the arrest of the notorious criminal Deva Gupta from an apartment located within the Patliputra police station area in Patna. Gupta, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head, was apprehended after an intensive surveillance and tracking effort by law enforcement agencies.
Criminal Background and Political Connections
Deva Gupta is a native of Motihari and is linked to an extensive criminal record involving 28 serious cases. These charges span a range of grave offenses, including murder, extortion, and land grabbing. Notably, he was actively evading arrest in two of these cases at the time of his capture. Gupta's arrest marks a critical development due to his influential political background; he is the husband of Motihari mayor Preeti Kumari and had contested the assembly election in 2025 on an RJD ticket.
Police Efforts and Reward Announcement
East Champaran SP Swarn Prabhat had previously declared Deva Gupta a notorious criminal and officially announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to his arrest. This bounty underscored the severity of his criminal activities and the urgency of his apprehension. In a related initiative, the Gopalganj SP had compiled a list of 100 criminals targeted for crime control in the district, with Gupta's name prominently featured at the top. This list was forwarded to the DIG for approval, highlighting the coordinated efforts across multiple police jurisdictions to address organized crime.
Interrogation and Network Investigation
Following the arrest, the STF and local police have commenced intensive interrogation of Deva Gupta. The primary objective is to gather crucial information about his criminal network and identify other absconding associates. A statement issued by the STF emphasized that "the arrest of Gupta is being considered a major success for the police and administration, as he was active in criminal activities despite being connected to an influential political background." This development is expected to disrupt ongoing criminal operations and enhance public safety in the region.
Implications for Law Enforcement and Community
The successful capture of Deva Gupta demonstrates the effectiveness of specialized task forces in tackling high-profile criminals. It also raises important questions about the intersection of crime and politics, particularly in cases where individuals with political ties engage in illicit activities. Authorities are now focused on leveraging the information obtained from Gupta to further dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent future offenses. This arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order, while also showcasing the dedication of police forces in pursuing justice.
