UP ATS Encounter In Varanasi: Naxal Commander Brijesh Ganjhu Killed, 2 Cops Injured

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) conducted a significant operation resulting in the death of Brijesh Ganjhu, a prominent commander of the banned Naxal organization Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC). This encounter took place on September 20 during the early hours when Brijesh, along with an associate, was traveling on a motorcycle from Tengra Mod to Mughalsarai via Ramnagar.

Upon receiving intelligence, the ATS team swiftly moved to intercept the pair near Lanka Maidan in the Ramnagar police station area. To avoid capture, Brijesh leaped from the motorcycle and initiated a shootout with the police team. Deputy Superintendent of Police Vipin Rai and Head Constable Nitendra Krishna sustained bullet injuries during the ensuing gunfight. Their protective gear, however, shielded them from mortal harm.

Brijesh Ganjhu, whose real name is Gopal Singh Bhokta, was gravely wounded in the crossfire. He was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The 30-year-old Jharkhand resident hailed from Lootu in the Lawalong police station area of Chatra district. He had been a fugitive for a considerable period, sought by the Jharkhand government with a Rs 25 lakh reward, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had added an additional Rs 5 lakh to the bounty.