The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad, ATS, today carried out a major operation in Varanasi, killing Brijesh Ganjhu, alias Gopal Singh Bhokta, alias Sardar Ji, the chief of Jharkhand’s banned extremist outfit, the Tritiya Prastuti Committee, TPC, in an encounter.
Brijesh Ganjhu had been absconding for nearly two decades. The Jharkhand Police and the National Investigation Agency, NIA, had announced a combined reward of 30 lakh rupees for information leading to his arrest.
More than 50 cases were registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, extortion, arson, criminal conspiracy and attacks on public servants. The cases also included the alleged killings of civilians and police personnel.
Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna has announced a reward of two lakh rupees for the ATS team involved in the encounter. Of the total reward announced for Ganjhu, 25 lakh rupees was offered by the Jharkhand Police, while the NIA had announced a reward of five lakh rupees.
