Pratapgarh | July 1, 2025 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh has successfully arrested a wanted criminal named Gufran, also known by his nickname “Changu,” from the Pratapgarh district. Gufran had a reward of ₹50,000 on his head, offered by the government for any information leading to his arrest. He was on the run for a long time and was involved in many serious crimes.

According to police reports, Gufran was accused of robbery, attempted murder, and the illegal possession of weapons. He had managed to escape arrest for several years and was considered a dangerous criminal by local residents. Due to his violent background and criminal activities, he had created an atmosphere of fear in many areas of Pratapgarh and nearby regions.

The arrest was the result of a well-planned and carefully executed operation by the STF. Officers said that Gufran had been under close surveillance for several weeks. Based on local intelligence and tip-offs, the STF was able to track his movements and arrest him without any major confrontation. His arrest marks a major success in the ongoing efforts to bring wanted criminals to justice and restore peace in the region.

The STF is known for handling high-profile cases and dangerous criminals in the state. In this case, the team used both ground-level intelligence and modern surveillance techniques to locate Gufran. Officials said that catching such criminals sends a strong message to others who are involved in or thinking of joining the world of crime.

The local police department also expressed relief at Gufran’s capture. They said that his arrest will help reduce criminal activities in the area and restore a sense of safety among the public. “The residents of this area were living in fear for a long time,” a senior police officer said. “Now that he is behind bars, we hope to bring normal life back to the community.”

Further investigation is now underway to find out more about Gufran’s criminal network. Police believe he may have had links with other criminals, and they are trying to find those who helped him hide or escape. His mobile phone and other seized items will be examined for more leads.

This arrest is being seen as a major achievement for the STF. It not only helps clean up criminal elements from society but also boosts public trust in law enforcement agencies. Officers said they will continue such operations to ensure that criminals cannot escape the law for long.