Most-Wanted Gangster Pawan Kallu Shot Dead in UP STF–Agra Police Encounter

A most-wanted gangster carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was shot dead in a joint encounter carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Agra Police in the Ekta police station area of Agra.

The accused, identified as Pawan alias Kallu, was allegedly involved in multiple serious crimes, including murder and extortion. Police officials said he was injured during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

Criminal Background and Gang Links

According to officials, Pawan was a resident of Sirauli in Loni, Ghaziabad, and had more than 18 criminal cases registered against him. These included four murder cases and at least two cases of extortion.

He was reportedly associated with the Randeep Bhati–Amit Kasana gang, which has been identified by state authorities as a notorious criminal network operating in western Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions.

Police further said that during his imprisonment in 2021 in connection with a murder case — when he was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh — Pawan allegedly came in contact with members of the Himanshu Bhau gang from Haryana. After his release from jail in 2025, he is believed to have resumed extortion activities and was allegedly planning major crimes in Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh.

Looted Police Pistol Recovered

During the encounter, STF personnel recovered a 9mm pistol from the spot. Officials stated that the weapon had been looted in 2016 from a Uttar Pradesh Police constable who was deployed as a gunner to an Additional District Judge in Greater Noida.

A case had been registered at Bisrakh police station at the time under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Investigators said Pawan allegedly used the same looted pistol to fire at the STF team during the encounter.

Apart from the firearm, police recovered cartridges and other weapons from the site. Authorities have launched further investigations to trace additional gang members and examine possible links to other criminal activities.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials stated that intelligence inputs led to the joint operation between the STF’s Noida unit and Agra Police. The encounter is being examined as per established legal procedures.

The development is being seen as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb organised crime networks in western Uttar Pradesh. Police have indicated that further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.