Notorious Gangster Gunned Down in Azamgarh Shootout
Wanted criminal Shankar Kanojia killed in STF encounter.
A notorious criminal, Shankar Kanojia, wanted for multiple murders and robberies, was killed in a dramatic encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Azamgarh on Saturday, police confirmed. Carrying a Rs 1 lakh bounty, Kanojia was a prime target for law enforcement due to his extensive criminal record spanning over a decade.
Acting on a tip-off about Kanojia’s presence in the Jahanaganj Police Station area, where he was reportedly planning a major crime with his gang, the STF moved to apprehend him. “When confronted, Kanojia opened fire on the STF team with intent to kill,” said Additional Director General (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash. “In self-defense, the team retaliated, critically injuring him.” Kanojia was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Police recovered a 9mm carbine, a 9mm pistol, a khukri dagger, and numerous live and spent cartridges from the encounter site, underscoring the intensity of the shootout.
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Kanojia’s criminal history includes heinous acts. In 2011, he and his gang murdered Vindhyachal Pandey during a robbery in Dohrighat, decapitating the victim. More recently, in July 2024, Kanojia kidnapped Shailendra Singh from Maharajganj, stole his loader vehicle, and brutally killed and decapitated him. His gang’s reign of terror involved numerous robberies, instilling fear across the region.
The encounter marks a significant breakthrough for the STF in curbing organized crime in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities are now investigating potential links to other gang members to prevent further criminal activities.
