UP STF and Agra Police Eliminate Notorious Gangster in Fierce Encounter
In a significant breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Agra police conducted a joint operation on Friday, resulting in the fatal shooting of a wanted criminal in the Ekta police station area of Agra. The encounter marks a major victory for law enforcement against organized crime in the region.
Identity and Criminal Background of the Accused
The deceased criminal has been identified as Pawan alias Kallu, a resident of Sirauli under the Loni police station limits in Ghaziabad. Police records reveal that Pawan was a hardened criminal with an extensive history of violent offenses.
He was actively wanted in an extortion case registered at Tajganj police station in Agra, with authorities having announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to his arrest. Investigators confirmed that Pawan faced charges in over 18 criminal cases, including four counts of murder and at least two extortion cases.
Operation Details and Fatal Confrontation
The STF unit, acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding Pawan's movements and activities, coordinated closely with Agra police to intercept the accused. When police teams confronted him, Pawan allegedly opened fire on the officers, initiating a dangerous exchange of gunfire.
In the ensuing confrontation, police responded with retaliatory action. Pawan sustained multiple gunshot injuries during the firefight and was immediately transported to SN Medical College for emergency medical treatment. Despite efforts by medical staff, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Gang Affiliations and Criminal Evolution
Police officials described Pawan as an active shooter associated with the notorious Randeep Bhati-Amit Kasana gang, which operates extensively across western Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi-NCR region. His criminal career demonstrated a pattern of escalating violence and organizational involvement.
In 2021, authorities had placed a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on Pawan in connection with a murder case, leading to his eventual arrest and imprisonment in Delhi. While incarcerated, investigators noted that he established connections with the Haryana-based Himanshu Bhau gang, expanding his criminal network.
Post-Release Criminal Resurgence
Following his release from jail in 2025, Pawan reportedly resumed criminal activities with renewed intensity. He began demanding extortion payments on a large scale and was allegedly planning to execute major crimes across Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh. This recent escalation in his criminal behavior prompted the intensified police surveillance that ultimately led to Friday's encounter.
The successful operation represents a significant blow to organized crime networks operating in the region, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to maintaining law and order through decisive action against dangerous criminals.
