Five‑o’clock siege leads to death of Jharkhand’s most wanted insurgent
In a coordinated sting operation, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force eliminated Brijesh Ganjhu, the most wanted insurgent of the outlawed TSPC group from Jharkhand. The encounter was staged at approximately 05:00 a.m. in the Lankaa Maidan region of Ramnagar, Varanasi, after ATS officers received a confidential lead about Ganjhu's travel plans.
The team laid a tight perimeter and observed a motorcycle rider approaching the checkpoint. When the rider ignored orders to stop, he opened fire, prompting the ATS to engage. The ensuing gun‑battle left Ganjhu mortally wounded. He was swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Ganjhu, also identified as Gopal Singh Bhokta from Lutu village in Chatra district, had been on both the Jharkhand police and National Investigation Agency's most‑wanted lists for years. A total reward of three million rupees – twenty‑five lakh from the state and five lakh from the NIA – had been announced for information leading to his capture.
Deputy SP Vipin Rai and Head Constable Nitendr Krishna, both wearing bullet‑proof jackets, sustained superficial injuries from the insurgent's fire. Both are recovering under medical supervision. The ATS continues to sweep the area for any additional militants and is pursuing legal action against those linked to the encounter.