Rs 30 Lakh Bounty Naxal Commander Brijesh Ganjhu Neutralized in Encounter in Varanasi

Top Naxal Commander Brijesh Ganjhu Killed in Encounter in Varanasi

Varanasi: In a significant operation early Sunday morning in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a notorious commander of the banned Naxal organization Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), carrying a bounty of Rs 30 lakh, was neutralized. Identified as Brijesh Ganjhu alias Gopal Singh Bhokta, he was eliminated in an encounter with the state's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

According to police, Ganjhu was rushed to the hospital after sustaining bullet injuries in the retaliatory firing and was declared dead by doctors. The encounter took place near Lanka Maidan in the Ramnagar police station area of Varanasi. Initial information suggested that ATS received a tip-off indicating Brijesh was traveling towards Mughalsarai from Ramnagar on a motorcycle with an associate.

The ATS team, upon receiving the information, promptly acted to intercept him. Police claim that instead of surrendering, Brijesh and his accomplices opened fire on the team, prompting the ATS to retaliate.

Bulletproof Jackets Save Security Personnel

A statement released by the police revealed that bullets fired by Brijesh Ganjhu during the encounter struck the bulletproof jackets of UP ATS Deputy SP Vipin Rai and Head Constable Nitendra Krishna. Fortunately, both officers were unharmed. This incident has once again highlighted the increasing Naxal activity and their intent to attack security forces.

Bounty and NIA Wanted List

The deceased Naxal commander, Brijesh Ganjhu, was identified as a resident of the Chatra district in Jharkhand. Police stated he was a key commander of the banned organization TPC. Due to his criminal activities and his role in the organization, the Jharkhand government had announced a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on him, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also placed a Rs 5 lakh reward, totaling Rs 30 lakh.

This high-value target was wanted by the NIA in several serious cases. The encounter and his elimination are considered a major success for the security forces.

Investigation Underway to Uncover Local Links

Immediately following the encounter, police and ATS cordoned off the area and began collecting crucial evidence. Authorities suspect that some local elements may also be involved in this incident. The police are currently working to determine when Brijesh Ganjhu arrived in Varanasi, his primary objective for being there, and the role of the individual with him on the motorcycle.

Further in-depth investigation is ongoing to expose the network behind this operation.