Muzaffarnagar, July 14, 2025 – In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) neutralized Shahrukh Pathan, a notorious sharpshooter linked to the Mukhtar Ansari gang and the late Sanjeev Maheshwari Jeeva gang, in a dramatic encounter in Muzaffarnagar’s Chhapar area early Monday. This high-profile operation marks a major blow to criminal networks in Western Uttar Pradesh.

Details of the Encounter

According to the Uttar Pradesh Police, the Meerut STF unit tracked Pathan, a 35-year-old resident of Khalapar, Muzaffarnagar, who had been on the run after being released on bail six months ago. Acting on intelligence inputs, the STF cornered Pathan in the Chhapar police station area. During the operation, Pathan reportedly opened fire, discharging over 10 rounds at the police. In retaliatory firing, he was critically injured and later declared dead at the hospital.

The police recovered significant evidence from the encounter site, including:

• A .30 mm Beretta pistol
• A .32 mm ordinance revolver
• A 9 mm country-made pistol
• Seven live 9 mm cartridges, 10 live .32 mm cartridges, and 46 live .30 mm cartridges
• A white Maruti Brezza car without a number plate

Shahrukh Pathan’s Criminal History

Shahrukh Pathan, also known for his association with the Sanjeev Jeeva gang, had a long and violent criminal record. He first gained notoriety in 2015 for allegedly shooting Asif Zaida dead at Muzaffarnagar Railway Station while Zaida was in police custody. Pathan’s criminal ties deepened during his imprisonment, where he forged connections with notorious gangsters Mukhtar Ansari and Sanjeev Jeeva. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Goldie murder case alongside Jeeva but was recently granted bail, after which he resumed criminal activities, including threatening witnesses in Sambhal.

Pathan faced over half a dozen cases of murder, extortion, and criminal intimidation. A Rs. 50,000 bounty had been placed on his head by the Muzaffarnagar police due to his continued threat to law and order.

Impact on Organized Crime

The elimination of Shahrukh Pathan is seen as a significant step in Uttar Pradesh’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates. Authorities have stated that Pathan was actively planning attacks and extortion operations before his death. The STF is now probing his network to identify and apprehend any remaining associates linked to the Mukhtar Ansari and Sanjeev Jeeva gangs.

This encounter underscores the Uttar Pradesh government’s tough stance on crime, with social media posts praising the operation and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration for prioritizing law and order. The action has been hailed as a warning to other gang operatives in the state.

Official Statements

Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order and STF Chief Amitabh Yash confirmed Pathan’s death, stating, “Shahrukh Pathan was a sharpshooter with a history of violent crimes. This operation reflects our commitment to rooting out organized crime in Uttar Pradesh.”

The police are continuing their investigation to ensure no stone is left unturned in dismantling Pathan’s criminal network.

Stay tuned to Bharat Tone for the latest updates on this developing story and other breaking news from across India.

Tags: Shahrukh Pathan, Mukhtar Ansari, Sanjeev Jeeva, UP Police Encounter, Muzaffarnagar News, Uttar Pradesh STF, Organized Crime, Yogi Adityanath