Notorious Contract Killer Bhanu Pratap, Carrying Rs 1.65 Lakh Bounty, Shot Dead In STF Encounter

Ayodhya: A wanted contract killer, who is facing over 40 criminal cases and carried a reward of over Rs 1 lakh, has been killed in a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. 

What happen to the contract killer? 

The accused, who is identified as Bhanu Pratap Singh alias Bablu (38) of Gorakhpur, sustained injuries during the encounter by the UP Special Task Force and was declared dead when brought to a hospital, a senior STF official has said.

What about the criminal cases?

According to STF, he had a long criminal history. Singh had been on the run for several years and was involved in over 40 criminal cases, including contract killings, dacoity, robbery and offences under the Arms Act across eastern Uttar Pradesh, as per STF.

Ayodhya, UP: Notorious history-sheeter and wanted criminal Bhanu Singh, who was absconding in more than 40 criminal cases, including dacoity and alleged contract killings, has died following an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and local police; according… pic.twitter.com/WB2r7SMnMa

— IANS (@ians_india) June 7, 2026

What about the rewards?

Azamgarh Police, Gorakhpur Police and Ambedkar Nagar Police had separately announced a total reward of Rs 1.65 lakh against Bhanu Pratap Singh. 

Azamgarh police had placed a reward of Rs 1 lakh, while Ambedkar Nagar police had separately announced a Rs 50,000 reward. Gorakhpur police too had put Rs 15,000 reward on him.