VARANASI, June 5 -- In a series of police operations over 22 days, three hardened criminals wanted for the murders of five individuals were killed in encounters across Ghazipur, Jaunpur and Chandauli districts between May 11 and June 3, 2026, said police officials.

According to officials, these operations are part of an intensified drive against organized crime in the region. Affirming the administration's "zero-tolerance" stance, Varanasi range deputy inspector general (DIG) of police, Vaibhav Krishna said: "Action is being ensured against hard-core criminals." "The drive against these criminals will continue," he added.

The most recent incident occurred late Wednesday evening, June 3, in Ghazipur. Kamlesh Chaudhary, carrying a reward ...