A wanted Naxal leader carrying a reward of ₹30 lakh was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Varanasi on Sunday. The deceased, identified as Brijesh Ganjhu, was allegedly a key member of the banned extremist outfit Tritiya Prastuti Committee and had been absconding for nearly 20 years. According to the ATS, intelligence inputs indicated that Ganjhu had entered Varanasi and was moving towards Lanka Maidan.
ATS personnel intercepted two men travelling on a motorcycle near Lanka Maidan and asked them to stop. Officials said the suspects allegedly opened fire on the team, prompting the security personnel to retaliate. During the exchange of fire, Deputy Superintendent of Police Vipin Kumar Rai and Head Constable Jitendra Krishna sustained minor injuries. Ganjhu suffered bullet injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead, while his associate managed to escape.
Police said more than 50 criminal cases had been registered against Ganjhu since 1996 across several districts of Jharkhand, including Chatra. The cases involved charges such as murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, extortion, criminal conspiracy, rioting, illegal possession of arms and offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Following the encounter, the ATS recovered two pistols, a carbine, a large quantity of ammunition and ₹1 lakh in cash from the scene, while efforts are underway to trace the absconding associate.
