In a breakthrough in two high-profile criminal cases, three dreaded criminals were killed in separate incidents. The three, including two shooters involved in the brutal murder of journalist Raghvendra Bajpai, and Jharkhand’s notorious gangster Chhotu Dhanbadia, were killed in an exchange of fire with Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).
Two key accused in Bajpai’s murder were killed during cross-firing with the STF and local police in the Pisawan area of Sitapur on Thursday morning. SP Ankur Agarwal confirmed that the STF had received intelligence regarding the suspects’ movements and set up a checkpoint accordingly. As the two suspects approached on a motorcycle, they opened fire when stopped by the police. In retaliatory firing, both were critically injured and later declared dead at the district hospital.
They were identified as Rajju alias Rizwan and Sanjay alias Aqeel Khan, who were brothers and residents of Atwa village in Mishrikh. Each had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on their heads. Investigations earlier revealed that the duo had gunned down Bajpai on March 8, firing multiple rounds at him on the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway near the Hempur railway crossing—a murder that sent shockwaves across Uttar Pradesh.
The crime was allegedly masterminded by Karadev Baba Temple priest Shivananad Baba, alias Vikas Rathore, who feared exposure after Bajpai spotted him in a compromising position inside the temple. The priest allegedly paid Rs 4 lakh to the shooters to eliminate the journalist. So far, three people—including the priest—have been arrested in the case.
Bajpai, a journalist from Maholi, was known for reporting on local scams, including irregularities in paddy procurement, which initially led investigators to explore various angles.
In a separate operation on Wednesday night, Jharkhand’s most wanted gangster, Ashish Ranjan Singh, alias Chhotu Dhanbadia, was killed in cross-firing with the STF at the Shankargarh region of Prayagraj. Acting on intelligence inputs, the STF intercepted Chhotu near Shivraj Chauraha, where he opened fire using an AK-47 and a 9mm pistol. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in Chhotu being fatally shot. A cache of arms and ammunition, including the AK-47, 9mm pistol, and dozens of cartridges, was recovered from the scene.
Originally from Dhanbad, Chhotu had a long criminal history and was wanted in multiple cases across Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. He was the prime accused in at least five murder cases, including the high-profile killings of police informer and coal trader Neeraj Tiwari and land dealer Lala Khan. He previously worked as a shooter for gangster Aman Singh, who was later killed inside a jail—a murder in which Chhotu was allegedly involved. A video had surfaced after Aman died in which Chhotu accused him of plotting against him.