Notorious Criminal and Former Assembly Candidate Killed in Police Encounter

Surya Narayan Hansda, a notorious figure in Jharkhand's political and criminal landscape, met his end in a police encounter early Monday. Wanted in multiple cases, Hansda tried to flee from custody in the Godda district, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.

Hansda had been apprehended in Deoghar by Godda police on Sunday. During interrogation, he confessed to having hidden weapons and divulged information about his criminal associates. Acting on his confession, authorities escorted him to the Lalmatia forest where a confrontation ensued, culminating in his death.

A familiar name in Jharkhand's assembly elections, Hansda's political career was marked by repeated attempts to secure the Borio constituency seat. Despite multiple efforts, including as a BJP candidate in 2019, he failed to succeed in capturing a legislative seat.

(With inputs from agencies.)