Anuj Kannaujia, Notorious Mukhtar Ansari Gang Sharpshooter, Killed in Jamshedpur Encounter

Lucknow (The Uttam Hindu): Anuj Kannaujia, a notorious sharpshooter from the Mukhtar Ansari gang, was gunned down in a police encounter during a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) and Jharkhand Police in Jamshedpur on Saturday night. The 50-year-old had been evading capture for over five years and was wanted in 23 criminal cases, including murder, extortion, land grabbing and arms smuggling.

The operation launched based on reliable intelligence, sought to apprehend Kannaujia. Still, as the police moved in, he opened fire with nearly 20 rounds and even threw a bomb in a desperate bid to flee. In response, the STF and Jharkhand Police engaged in a fierce gunfight. During the exchange, STF Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) DK Shahi was shot in the shoulder but continued to lead the operation. Kannaujia was hit by multiple bullets and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities recovered two pistols, a large quantity of live cartridges and mobile phones from the scene. The mobile devices are now being examined for possible connections to Kannaujia’s criminal network.

Kannaujia, hailing from Bahlolpur village in Mau, had an extensive criminal history across multiple districts. He faced six charges in Mau's Kotwali police station, five in Rani Ki Sarai and numerous other cases in Dakshin Tola, Chiraiyakot, Ghazipur and Azamgarh. As part of efforts to dismantle his operations, authorities demolished his home in Azamgarh and arrested his family members under the Gangster Act.