SITAPUR, India – Police in Sitapur have arrested eight individuals suspected of involvement in an extortion racket and for allegedly firing upon a police team during an operation in the Naimisharanya area. The arrests, made on the night of August 19-20, 2026, followed an intelligence-led operation targeting a gang accused of threatening and extorting money from locals.
Details of the Operation
Under the direction of Sitapur Superintendent of Police Ankush Agarwal and led by Circle Officer Misrikh, the Naimisharanya police team cornered the suspects near Lekhnapur village turn on Bibipur-Atwa Road. The operation was initiated to apprehend individuals wanted in connection with Case No. 141/2026 under Sections 308(5) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to police, as the team approached, the suspects, hidden in bushes and trees, opened fire with the intent to kill after being warned to surrender. The police team, demonstrating "exemplary courage," managed to encircle and apprehend all eight individuals.
Arrests and Recoveries
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Golu alias Aakib, son of Manju, resident of Aurangabad, Naimisharanya
- Shashikant, son of Pappu, resident of Phoolpur Jharia, Naimisharanya
- Prashant Kumar, son of Rajaram, resident of Kakraiya, Maholi
- Shivank, son of Lekhram, resident of Phoolpur Jharia, Naimisharanya
- Sufiyan, son of Sattar Khan, resident of Atwa, Naimisharanya
- Gufran, son of Gaffar, resident of Atwa, Naimisharanya
- Vikas, son of Ramlal, resident of Aurangabad, Naimisharanya
- Shoaib alias Sameer alias Baba Pathan, son of Ajmal, resident of Aurangabad, Naimisharanya (identified as the main conspirator and scout of the extortion gang)
Authorities recovered three illegal firearms and ammunition during the arrests:
- One .315 bore country-made pistol with one spent cartridge in the barrel and one live cartridge from Golu alias Aakib.
- One .315 bore country-made pistol with one misfired cartridge in the barrel and one live cartridge from Prashant.
- One .32 bore country-made pistol with one live cartridge in the barrel and one live cartridge from Gufran.
Additionally, 10,500 Indian Rupees were recovered, identified as the remaining portion of money allegedly extorted from Satyaprakash Maurya on August 17, 2026.
Modus Operandi and Legal Action
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to scouting areas and extorting money by intimidation. Shoaib alias Sameer was identified as the gang's main coordinator, responsible for reconnaissance and alerting members to police activity. He was allegedly arranging transport for the gang to flee after learning about the registered case.
Further legal action is being taken under Case No. 142/2026, Sections 109(1)/3(5) BNS and 25(1-b) Arms Act, for the assault on the police team and illegal possession of weapons. Section 317(2) BNS has been added to the existing Case No. 141/2026. Shoaib alias Sameer alias Baba Pathan has been named as the primary conspirator in the case.
Golu alias Aakib has a prior criminal record (Case No. 104/2024, Sections 323, 452, 504, 506 IPC), and Gufran also has a criminal history (Case No. 153/2024, Sections 115(2), 126(2) BNS).
