Lucknow: On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has been accorded national recognition for a series of high-risk operations carried out against organised and violent crime across the state. The Government of India has conferred gallantry medals on STF officers and personnel for their role in neutralising several notorious criminals who had posed a sustained threat to public safety and law and order.
Crackdown on Hardened and Repeat Offenders
Official sources said the honours acknowledge multiple STF operations conducted across different districts of Uttar Pradesh, where specialised teams took on hardened offenders who had managed to evade arrest despite prolonged police efforts. These criminals were involved in murder, extortion, robbery and other forms of organised crime, with cases registered against them in several districts and, in some instances, across state borders. Senior officials noted that such offenders had become a persistent challenge for policing agencies.
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Mathura Encounter: Blow to Organised Crime Networks
One of the major operations cited took place in Mathura district, where an STF team was involved in a fierce encounter with Pankaj Yadav. He sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and was later declared dead during treatment. Police records show that Yadav was facing 39 criminal cases across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including several serious and violent offences. Officials said the operation dealt a significant blow to organised crime networks active in the region.
Varanasi Operation Targets Most-Wanted Criminal
Another key operation included in the honours list occurred in the rural limits of Varanasi district, where an STF unit confronted Manoj Singh alias Sonu Singh. He was injured during the encounter and later succumbed to his injuries. Singh had an extensive criminal history, with multiple serious cases registered against him in different districts, and had been on the police’s most-wanted list for a considerable period. Officers described the operation as a decisive step towards restoring law and order in the area.
Inter-State Criminal Links Uncovered in Unnao
The gallantry citations also cover an encounter in Unnao district, where STF personnel neutralised Anuj Pratap Singh. Subsequent investigations revealed that Singh was wanted in serious cases not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in Surat, Gujarat, underscoring the inter-state reach of the organised crime syndicates targeted by the STF.
Challenging Terrain and Armed Resistance in Kaushambi
Similarly, an operation in Kaushambi district led to the neutralisation of Gufran. Police confirmed that he was involved in at least 15 serious criminal cases spread across multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh. Officials said the encounter proved particularly challenging due to difficult terrain and armed resistance, significantly increasing operational risks for the team on the ground.
Sustained STF Action Across Multiple Jurisdictions
Beyond individual encounters, the gallantry medals also recognise the contribution of STF personnel who played a crucial role in effective action against criminals linked to at least 36 serious cases across various police station jurisdictions. Police headquarters said these sustained operations disrupted organised crime structures and curtailed the activities of habitual offenders operating across districts.
Institutional Resolve and Tactical Precision
Senior officers stressed that the honours are not merely individual recognitions but reflect the institutional resolve, professionalism and operational discipline of the STF. The cited operations were characterised by accurate intelligence inputs, close coordination with local police units and swift tactical execution under volatile and life-threatening conditions.
Deterrent Impact and Focus on Public Safety
According to police headquarters, these actions have had a clear deterrent impact across the state, particularly on criminals who once operated with relative impunity. The STF’s role has become increasingly critical in addressing crimes such as extortion, contract killings, armed robberies and gang-related violence.
Boost to Morale and Continued Crackdown
Congratulating the awardees, the state police leadership said the recognition would further strengthen morale within the force and reinforce the message that professional bravery, discipline and dedication to duty continue to receive national acknowledgment. Officials added that the STF will remain at the forefront of intelligence-led operations as Uttar Pradesh intensifies its crackdown on organised and violent crime, with public safety and the rule of law as its primary focus.
