Siraj Ahmed, a history-sheeter from Lolepur village in Sultanpur, had long-standing links with the Mukhtar Ansari gang. He was known as a sharpshooter of the syndicate. Moreover, he shared close ties with Mukhtar’s aide Munna Bajrangi. During Bajrangi’s incarceration in Sultanpur Jail, Siraj regularly visited him. Meanwhile, photos and videos showing Siraj with several prominent leaders circulated widely on social media.
Jail Shift and Expansion of Criminal Operations
Munna Bajrangi, an accused in the Ghazipur MLA Krishnanand Rai murder case, was shifted from Mirzapur Jail to Sultanpur Jail on April 10, 2013. Subsequently, Mukhtar Ansari’s network expanded its influence in the region. Extortion, illegal toll collection, and control over tenders related to railways, PWD, and highways were allegedly managed from inside the jail. As a result, several local criminals grew closer to the Mukhtar gang. Later, on September 24, 2015, authorities transferred Munna Bajrangi to Jhansi Jail under heavy security.
Siraj’s Direct Access to Munna Bajrangi
Siraj Ahmed frequently met Munna Bajrangi in jail through Jalees Ahmed, an accused in the Haji Munne murder case. According to police records, Siraj operated under gang D-68 and was also known as Siraj Ahmed, alias Jalees-D. Consequently, his position within the gang strengthened over time.
Criminal Record: Over 28 Cases Registered
Siraj had an extensive criminal history. The STF confirmed that more than 28 cases were registered against him. Of these, 26 were filed in Sultanpur and two in Lucknow. Furthermore, authorities booked him under the Gangster Act in 2015 and 2018. In addition, they detained him under the National Security Act on January 24, 2019. His record included one murder case, four attempts to murder, and multiple gangster-related offences.
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₹4.66 Crore Property Seized by Court Orders
Earlier this year, the court ordered the seizure of Siraj’s assets in connection with the advocate Azad Ahmed murder case. Accordingly, authorities attached property worth ₹4.66 crore. The seized assets included a Fortuner, two SUVs, a tractor, a motorcycle, and a tractor trolley. Besides this, officials also confiscated a land parcel linked to him.
STF Encounter in Saharanpur
On Sunday (December 21)morning, Lucknow STF engaged Siraj in an encounter near Salarpura village on the Gangoh–Shermau road in Saharanpur. Siraj carried a reward of ₹1 lakh on his head. When STF teams spotted two youths on a motorcycle, the pillion rider opened fire. However, the STF retaliated swiftly. During the exchange, the rider sustained a bullet injury to the chest and collapsed. Meanwhile, his accomplice managed to flee.
Death Confirmed at Hospital
The injured man was identified as Siraj Ahmed. STF teams rushed him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. From the spot, officials recovered a motorcycle, two pistols of .30 and .32 bore, a large quantity of ammunition, four mobile phones, two WiFi dongles, and identity documents, including an Aadhaar card.
Motive and Ongoing Search
STF officials stated that Siraj had entered the Gangoh area to execute a criminal operation. Earlier, police had announced a reward of ₹25,000 for his arrest, which they later raised to ₹1 lakh. Meanwhile, teams continue to search for his absconding associate and are verifying possible links to planned attacks in the region.
