In a significant law-and-order action, a notorious wanted sharpshooter, identified as Banarasi Yadav, was shot dead during a late-night encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Varanasi on Tuesday night. The accused was carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh on his head for serious criminal charges, police said.
Operation and Exchange of Fire
The encounter took place on Bariyasanpur Ring Road in the Chaubepur area when an STF team attempted to arrest the sharpshooter, who was accused in the murder of fertiliser trader Mahendra Gautam. During the operation, the suspect allegedly opened fire at the police, prompting retaliation from the security forces. Yadav sustained gunshot injuries and was declared dead at a nearby hospital.
Criminal Record and Bounty Details
Police officials said Banarasi Yadav was a contract killer and sharpshooter wanted in more than two dozen criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, extortion and other serious offences. Due to his long criminal history, a ₹1 lakh reward had been announced for information leading to his arrest.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
At the scene of the encounter, law enforcement recovered two pistols and a large quantity of cartridges, indicating that Yadav was heavily armed at the time of the confrontation. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST Act at the Sarnath police station in connection with the murder case and are continuing the investigation.
Accused’s Associates Still at Large
Authorities added that another accused, identified as Arvind Yadav, also known as Fauji or Kallu from Ghazipur district, remains absconding. Police teams are conducting raids at possible hideouts as part of ongoing efforts to arrest him.
Police Reaction and Public Safety
Senior officials described the encounter as a major success in the fight against organised crime in eastern Uttar Pradesh, emphasising that the STF’s proactive approach helped neutralise a dangerous criminal threat. The operation underscores the state police’s commitment to cracking down on violent crime and bringing wanted fugitives to justice.