Notorious Criminal Killed in Police Encounter in Lucknow

In a dramatic police encounter in Lucknow, a notorious criminal known as Sanjay alias Sanjeev was killed after he fired upon officers attempting to arrest him. Sanjeev was the main suspect in the murder of builder Sandeep Singh, which had drawn significant attention due to its ties to a property dispute. The police had been searching for him for weeks, and this encounter marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the murder case. Further details are expected as authorities continue their inquiries.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 12:10 IST

Police Encounter in Lucknow

Photo: @ians_india/X

Lucknow, June 27: A notorious criminal, who had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head, was shot dead in a police encounter in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, early Saturday morning. This incident occurred after he fired upon a police team that was attempting to arrest him, according to officials. The deceased, known as Sanjay alias Sanjeev, was the main suspect in the murder of builder Sandeep Singh, who was killed in the PGI area of Lucknow on May 27.

Sanjeev hailed from Ambedkar Nagar district and faced multiple serious charges, including several murders across Ambedkar Nagar, Basti, and Ayodhya districts.

Authorities had been on the lookout for him for weeks, especially regarding the recent murder of the builder.

The encounter unfolded on Indira Canal Road in Lucknow during a police operation aimed at locating and apprehending the suspect. Officials reported that when police approached Sanjeev in the early hours, he chose to shoot at them instead of surrendering.

In response, the police acted in self-defense, resulting in Sanjeev being injured by gunfire. He was promptly transported to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Lucknow, where he was pronounced dead by medical staff.

Authorities confirmed that Sanjeev was the primary suspect in the murder of builder Sandeep Singh, whose death had garnered significant media attention in Uttar Pradesh due to its connections to an ongoing rivalry and a property dispute.

During the investigation, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) revealed that the murder stemmed from a long-standing feud and a land conflict, with reports suggesting a contract of Rs 5 lakh was allegedly placed for the builder's assassination.

Several individuals have already been arrested in connection with the conspiracy to murder, but Sanjeev had evaded capture until the encounter on Saturday.

Additionally, Dinesh Yadav, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the murder of Sandeep Singh, was arrested earlier and is currently in custody.

More information is expected to emerge as the investigation continues.