World · India Bureau
Wanted Naxal Commander Killed in Varanasi Encounter
Brijesh Ganjhu, a Jharkhand-based Naxal commander with a bounty of Rs 30 lakh on his head, was shot dead in an encounter with Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) personnel in Varanasi on Sunday morning.
LSN India ·
The confrontation took place at Lanka Maidan in Ramnagar, Varanasi, when Ganjhu attempted to evade a police checkpoint. The militant commander was reportedly traveling from Tengra towards Mugalsarai when security personnel attempted to intercept him at the location.
According to officials, Ganjhu opened fire when police sought to stop him, triggering a gunfight. During the exchange of fire, the Naxal commander sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ganjhu, who belonged to a Naxalite faction operating across eastern India, was among the most wanted insurgents with an active bounty of Rs 30 lakh. His death represents a significant operational success for the UP ATS in its counter-insurgency operations.
The incident marks an escalation in security operations in the region as authorities continue intensified efforts against Naxalite activities in the Indo-Gangetic plains.