Delve into the fascinating tale of Shri Prakash Shukla, the most feared mafia don of UP. During the 90s, his criminal exploits painted the headlines red, leaving the UP police in utter dismay. Though his identity was known, a photograph of him eluded the police. Extortion from businessmen, kidnappings, murders, and monopolizing railway contracts from east to west were his realm. Those who dared to stand in his way met a swift and brutal end, striking fear even into the hearts of the police. Ultimately, the courageous STF of UP police confronted and eliminated him in a dramatic encounter.
The First Encounter: Shri Prakash's first deadly clash with the police occurred on September 9, 1997. Intelligence led the police to believe that Shri Prakash, accompanied by three others, would be visiting a salon in Janpath Market, Lucknow. Despite a calculated operation, the mission faltered, claiming the life of a brave police officer. The incident only amplified the dread evoked by Shri Prakash's name throughout UP.
Formation of the STF: A strategic meeting between UP's Chief Minister, Home Minister, and DGP led to the inception of a special force. On May 4, 1998, under the leadership of ADG Ajayraj Sharma, the Special Task Force (STF) was formed with 50 elite officers. Their primary mission: capture Shri Prakash Shukla, dead or alive.
The STF mounted a vigorous manhunt across regions from Lucknow to Ghaziabad, Bihar, Kolkata, and Jaipur. They finally managed to get a photograph of Shri Prakash. Meanwhile, Shri Prakash boldly executed one of his most audacious acts, journeying from UP to Patna for his sinister plot.
Ministerial Assassination in Patna: On June 13, 1998, outside Indira Gandhi Hospital in Patna, Shri Prakash gunned down the Bihar minister Brij Bihari Prasad. This brazen murder, carried out despite heavy security, showcased his audacity. The minister was ambushed just after stepping out of his car by four gunmen with AK-47s.
With this assassination, Shri Prakash underscored his unrivaled control over railway contracts stretching from east to west. Yet, amidst the uproar surrounding the minister's murder, another chilling revelation surfaced — Shri Prakash had accepted a contract to eliminate UP's then Chief Minister Kalyan Singh for a staggering sum of 60 million rupees.
The STF sprang into action, resolute to apprehend Shri Prakash. Their leads led them to Delhi, where Shri Prakash's known communication with a girlfriend was put under surveillance. Sensing surveillance, he switched from mobile to public telephones, but the police were already monitoring his contacts, closing in on him.
Using triangulation, the STF identified calls to be coming from Ghaziabad's Indirapuram area. The decisive moment arrived when STF learned Shri Prakash was headed from Delhi towards Ghaziabad. As his car crossed Vasundhara Enclave, Arun Kumar and his STF team pursued with stealth. Unaware of their chase, Shri Prakash's car ventured into a deserted area of Indirapuram. Here, taking advantage of the situation, the STF adeptly overtook and blocked his vehicle. Despite requests to surrender, Shri Prakash retaliated with gunfire and was subsequently overpowered and killed in the ensuing encounter.
