Bihar STF compiles list of 350 contract killers, launches crackdown
Patna, Aug 21 (IANS) The Bihar Police Special Task Force (STF) has prepared a database of more than 350 suspected contract killers operating across the state and launched a special drive to apprehend them, a senior STF official said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference at Bihar Police Headquarters, STF DIG Sanjay Kumar Singh said that 1,716 hardcore and “top‑10” criminals have been arrested since January 2026, including 63 criminals carrying cash rewards. Another 27 wanted criminals were arrested outside Bihar.
According to Singh, the STF’s intelligence network also helped prevent 94 planned criminal incidents before they could take place. These included 40 murder cases, 48 incidents involving dacoity and snatching, and six other criminal cases.
The STF is maintaining a district‑wise database of organised crime to identify and target criminal networks. Authorities have also identified alleged land mafias and are sending proposals to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for possible action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against those suspected of possessing illegally acquired assets.
Singh said that 19 encounters with criminals have taken place during the past eight months. Three criminals were killed, and 18 were injured in these incidents, while two police personnel lost their lives.
The STF has intensified action against gangs allegedly involved in bank, jewellery and gold robberies. So far this year, police have recovered about 10 kg of looted gold, 50 kg of silver, and Rs 11.97 lakh in cash.
Police have also solved several robbery cases outside Bihar, including a jewellery shop robbery in Mysuru, a robbery linked to the Daudnagar police station area and a Bank of Maharashtra branch robbery in Keonjhar. Police arrested 113 accused in connection with these cases.
The STF has further dismantled 33 illegal mini‑gun factories this year. During these operations, police recovered one AK‑47, two INSAS rifles, 398 country‑made firearms and around 1,300 rounds of ammunition.
According to STF officials, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also examining aspects of the arms network as authorities seek to dismantle the supply chain behind illegal weapons.
SP Anjani Kumar said the STF currently operates three drones for aerial surveillance and mapping. The hideouts of 45 notorious criminals have reportedly been mapped using the technology. Officials are preparing to increase the number of drones to strengthen surveillance of sensitive areas and suspected criminal hideouts and to support subsequent enforcement operations.
The STF also stated that Bihar is now free from Maoism, while 63 Maoists who surrendered have received benefits under the state’s surrender‑cum‑rehabilitation policy.
–IANS
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