SITAPUR, India — Eight alleged members of an extortion gang were arrested in Sitapur district after they reportedly attacked a police team during an operation on the night of Aug. 19-20, 2026. Police recovered three illegal firearms, ammunition, and 10,500 Indian rupees (approximately $126 USD) in cash during the arrests.
The arrests were made by a Naimisharanya police team, acting under the direction of Sitapur Superintendent of Police Ankur Agarwal and led by the Circle Officer of Mishrikh. The operation targeted suspects wanted in connection with Case No. 141/2026, filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Operation
Police had strategically surrounded the suspects near the Lekhnapur village turn on the Bibipur-Atwa Road. As the police advanced from behind bushes and trees, the suspects reportedly opened fire with the intent to kill after being warned to surrender. The police team, demonstrating courage and tactical skill, managed to encircle and apprehend all eight individuals.
Arrested Individuals and Recoveries
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Golu alias Aakib, resident of Aurangabad, Naimisharanya
- Shashikant, resident of Phoolpur Jharia, Naimisharanya
- Prashant Kumar, resident of Kakraiya, Maholi
- Shivank, resident of Phoolpur Jharia, Naimisharanya
- Sufiyan, resident of Atwa, Naimisharanya
- Gufran, resident of Atwa, Naimisharanya
- Vikas, resident of Aurangabad, Naimisharanya
- Shoaib alias Sameer alias Baba Pathan, resident of Aurangabad, Naimisharanya (identified as the main conspirator and reconnaissance operative of the extortion gang)
Recoveries include:
- 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 Kumar.
- One .32 bore country-made pistol with one live cartridge in the barrel and one live cartridge from Gufran.
- Cash totaling 10,500 rupees, identified as part of the money extorted from Satyaprakash Maurya on Aug. 17, 2026.
Interrogation and Modus Operandi
During interrogation, the accused confessed to extorting money by intimidating people after conducting reconnaissance in various areas. Shoaib alias Sameer was reportedly responsible for surveillance and alerting the gang about police movements. He was also arranging a getaway vehicle for the suspects after they learned about the registration of a case related to the Aug. 17 incident. The suspects deliberately avoided carrying mobile phones to evade detection.
Legal Proceedings
Based on the arrests and recoveries, the Naimisharanya police station has registered a new case (Case No. 142/2026) under sections 109(1)/3(5) BNS and 25(1-b) of the Arms Act, pertaining to the attack on the police team and illegal possession of weapons. Additionally, section 317(2) BNS has been added to the existing Case No. 141/2026. Shoaib alias Sameer alias Baba Pathan has been identified as the main conspirator in the case.
Criminal History
Several of the arrested individuals have prior criminal records:
- Golu alias Aakib: Case No. 104/2024 under sections 323, 452, 504, 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Gufran: Case No. 153/2024 under sections 115(2), 126(2) BNS.
- Vikas: Case No. 259/2023 under sections 3, 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 304B, 498A IPC.
- Shoaib alias Sameer alias Baba Pathan (History Sheeter): Case No. 1469/07 under sections 467, 468, 419, 420, 379, 412 IPC at Kotwali Kaiserbagh Commissionerate Lucknow.
