Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh anti-terrorist squad (UP ATS) gunned down Brijesh Ganjhu alias Gopal Singh Bhokta (46), commander of banned Naxal outfit Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), in an encounter in Varanasi’s Ramnagar area on Sunday.Ganjhu, who was carrying a Rs 30-lakh reward, was named in 45 criminal cases and was wanted by multiple security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA).Sources in ATS said that Ganjhu was trying to escape to Nepal via Uttar Pradesh thinking it safer after national agencies pursued him and forces in Jharkhand dealt a blow to his hideouts.Additional director general, law and order, Amitabh Yash said that ATS received specific information that Ganjhu, who had been evading security agencies for nearly two decades, was frequently changing his appearance and identity, and that he could enter Varanasi region in Uttar Pradesh with his associates.Multiple ATS teams were activated in areas bordering Mirzapur and Sonbhadra and on suspected routes leading towards Varanasi.On Sept 20, ATS received a tip-off that Ganjhu had entered Varanasi and was moving towards Lanka Maidan in Ramnagar.ATS teams spotted two suspicious men travelling on a motorcycle from GT Road towards Lanka Maidan.When the ATS team attempted to stop the motorcycle, the two men opened fire on the personnel.During the exchange of fire, Deputy SP Vipin Kumar Rai, who was leading the operation, and head constable Nitendra Krishna were also hit by bullets.However, as both were wearing bulletproof jackets, they did not suffer serious injuries.Ganjhu suffered bullet injuries during the exchange of fire while his aide managed to escape. Ganjhu was taken to hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.ATS recovered two pistols, one carbine, a large quantity of ammunition and Rs 1 lakh cash.Out of the total reward of Rs 30 lakh, Rs 25 lakh was announced by Jharkhand Police, while the NIA had announced Rs 5 lakh reward for information leading to his capture.Uttar Pradesh director general of police Rajeev Krishna announced a Rs 2 lakh reward for the UP ATS team involved in the encounter.Cases against Ganjhu included those of murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, extortion, arson, damage to property, attacks on public servants, possession of illegal arms and explosives, besides offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).He was originally associated with CPI (Maoist) before joining TSPC where he rose to the position of commander and remained active in violent extremist activities.
