Patna, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bihar Police Special Task Force (STF) has prepared a district-wise database of more than 350 suspected contract killers and launched a targeted drive to track and apprehend them, senior officials said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference at Bihar Police Headquarters, STF DIG Sanjay Kumar Singh said the force had arrested 1,716 hardcore and “top-10” criminals since January 2026, including 63 wanted accused carrying cash rewards. Another 27 wanted criminals were arrested outside Bihar.
The STF’s intelligence network also helped prevent 94 planned criminal incidents, including 40 murders, 48 cases involving dacoity and snatching, and six other crimes.
Officials said the force was maintaining a district-wise database of organised crime to identify criminal networks. Authorities have also identified alleged land mafias and are forwarding proposals to the Enforcement Directorate for possible action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against those suspected of holding assets acquired through illegal means.
Singh said 19 encounters involving criminals had taken place during the past eight months. Three criminals were killed and 18 injured, while two police personnel lost their lives.
The STF has also stepped up operations against gangs involved in bank, jewellery and gold robberies. Police have recovered around 10 kg of looted gold, 50 kg of silver and Rs 11.97 lakh in cash this year. A total of 113 accused were arrested in several robbery cases, including cases linked to Mysuru, Daudnagar and a Bank of Maharashtra branch in Keonjhar.
The force has dismantled 33 illegal mini-gun factories and recovered an AK-47, two INSAS rifles, 398 country-made firearms and around 1,300 rounds of ammunition. The National Investigation Agency is examining aspects of the illegal arms network, officials said.
STF SP Anjani Kumar said three drones are currently being used for aerial surveillance and mapping, with the hideouts of 45 notorious criminals mapped so far. More drones are planned for monitoring sensitive areas and suspected hideouts.
The STF also said Bihar was now free from Maoism, while 63 surrendered Maoists had received benefits under the state’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy.
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