Jagran Correspondent, Meerut | Gangster Rakesh alias Pampu, once a name of terror for others, is now worried about his own safety. Pampu, accused of being involved in the conspiracy in the murder case of singer Ankit Baliyan, has sought security in the Karnal court.
Pampu Seeks Security In UP
The murder accused demanded that he be brought to UP in handcuffs and shackles during his remand, and that his entire movements be videotaped. Pampu also requested that there be a security cordon of armed policemen around him.
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Fear Of Custodial Death?
His fear is not without reason, as several prominent criminals in UP, including Munna Bajrangi, Vikas Dubey, Sanjeev Jiva, Atiq Ahmed, and Mukeem Kala, have been killed in custody.
Here Are Major Deaths During Police Custody In UP
- In July 2020, Vikas Dubey, the main accused in the Bikru incident, was being brought from Ujjain to Kanpur. He tried to escape from custody after a police vehicle overturned near Kanpur and was killed in an encounter. His "car overturn" was widely discussed nationwide.
- In July 2018, gangster Munna Bajrangi was shot dead inside Baghpat jail.
- In May 2021, notorious criminal Mukeem Kala of western UP was killed during a gang war inside Chitrakoot jail.
- In April 2023, gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf were killed in Prayagraj police custody.
- In June 2023, notorious Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva of western UP was shot dead while being produced in the Lucknow court premises.
- In November 2022, gangster Munir Ahmed died in Sonbhadra jail. Munir had murdered NIA Deputy SP Tanzeel Ahmed and his wife Farzana in Bijnor in 2016.
- In March 2024, Mukhtar Ansari died inside Banda jail. Similarly, Amar Dubey and Manoj Lagada were also killed in police custody.
- Given the long list of criminals killed in custody, Pampu is also facing threats to his life.
- In May 2026, the STF killed Zubair, a sharpshooter of the Munir gang. In May 2023, Anil Dujana, a notorious gangster from western Uttar Pradesh, was killed. Asad and Ghulam, wanted in the Umesh murder case, were killed in April 2023.
Manish Singh alias Sonu was killed in Varanasi in March 2022. Tinku Kapala was killed in Barabanki in July 2020. In January 2025, four criminals from the Arshad gang died in an encounter. Inspector Sunil also sacrificed his life then. Additionally, Gauri Yadav, a bandit with a bounty of five lakh rupees, Mukhtar Ansari's shooter Anuj Kannojia, and Vinod Upadhyay have also been killed.
What Police Said
Bhanu Bhaskar, ADG Meerut Zone, said criminals who take the law into their own hands are being dealt with within the legal framework. "Criminals from other states will be forced to think twice before crossing the border to commit crimes in Uttar Pradesh. The accused in the Ankit murder case in Shamli will soon be brought to justice. All teams are working," he added.
Amitabh Yash, STF Chief, said action against those who disrupt law and order in the state will continue. Criminals who challenge law and order will be dealt with as always. All STF units are working to curb crime, he added.