3 wanted criminals gunned down in Varanasi

Varanasi, Jun 27 (UNI) Special Operations Group (SOG) sleuths of the district police today gunned down three wanted criminals -- carrying reward of Rs 5,000 each on their heads-- in separate encounters here.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ashutosh Pandey told UNI Shiv Pujan Yadav was gunned down early this morning near Ashapur crossing under Sarnath police station area.

He was wanted in connection with over 12 cases of murder, loot and dacoity. A revolver and live cartridges were recovered from the spot.

In another encounter this afternoon on Rohania-Mohansarai bypass, Santosh Kaddu was eliminated following a tip-off.

He was the kingpin of the gang, Shiv Pujan worked for, Mr Pandey informed.

The slain criminal was wanted in connection with at least 40 cases of loot, dacoity and murder. A revolver and live cartridges were recovered from the encounter spot.

Close on the heels of the twin encounters, cops gunned down another wanted criminal identified as Jallu alias Shamsuddin.

A native of Tiwaripur in Gorakhpur district, Jallu was gunned down in Jawahar Nagar Colony under Bhelupur area.

The SSP said the gangster was active in eastern Uttar Pradesh districts of Gorakhpur, Maharajganj and Basti.

However, an aide of the criminal managed to escape on a motorcycle.

Jallu was wanted in 30 cases of looty, dacoity, extortion, murder and abduction. A countrymade revolver was recovered from him.

Separate cases have been lodged.

UNI ARS VS SHR HT1655