Wanted in 53 Cases, Pasi Shot Dead During Operation in Umri Begumganj Area
Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, May 20 — A dreaded criminal carrying a bounty of ₹1 lakh was gunned down in an encounter with police in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district late Monday night. The deceased, identified as Sonu Pasi alias Bhure, was wanted in 53 criminal cases ranging from murder and dacoity to arms and narcotics-related offences, according to officials.The operation was executed following a tip-off about Pasi's whereabouts from the Umri Begumganj police. Acting swiftly, a joint team comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Khodare police was deployed to apprehend the fugitive.
Gun Battle Near Sonouli Mohammadpur Bandha
Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal informed that Pasi was intercepted near Sonouli Mohammadpur Bandha. On being challenged, he opened fire at the police team. In the retaliatory exchange, Pasi sustained bullet injuries and was immediately rushed to the district medical college, where doctors declared him dead.During the exchange, a bullet fired by Pasi hit an officer’s bulletproof jacket. Fortunately, the officer escaped unharmed.
Arms Recovered, Past Crimes Revisited
Police recovered an illegal .32 bore pistol, a country-made 315 bore gun, and multiple cartridges from the spot. Pasi had recently come under intense police scrutiny after allegedly shooting a villager during a theft incident in Umri Begumganj last month. Since then, he had been evading arrest.Given the gravity of his crimes, three dedicated police teams and the SOG’s surveillance unit were tasked with locating and apprehending him.
Associates Previously Nabbed in Encounters
In earlier operations, three of Pasi’s associates — Brijesh alias Chhotu Pasi, Pallu Pasi, and Nanmunna Lodhi — were injured and apprehended during police encounters.SP Jaiswal confirmed that Pasi had cases registered under serious charges, including the Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and Gangsters Act across Gonda, Basti, and neighbouring districts.
His capture had been a high priority, with a reward of ₹1 lakh announced by the Additional Director General (ADG) of Gorakhpur Zone.
