Lucknow: The Special Task Force of the Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a wanted criminal carrying a ₹50,000 reward in connection with a robbery and dacoity case registered in Ayodhya.
According to an official press note issued by STF headquarters in Lucknow on March 15, the accused was apprehended late on March 14 during a targeted operation in the Pura Kalandar police station area of Ayodhya district.
Accused Identified
The arrested accused has been identified as Prakhar Rawat alias Prakhar Kumar alias Tennis, son of late Chhote Lal, a resident of Batohee Ka Purwa village, Post Dabhasemar, under Pura Kalandar police station in Ayodhya district.
He had been declared a wanted accused with a ₹50,000 reward for his alleged involvement in a robbery and dacoity case.
Arrest Operation
The STF team arrested the accused near Bhimsain Palace, Janaura in the Pura Kalandar area of Ayodhya at around 10:07 PM on March 14, 2026.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramesh Kumar Shukla. The STF field unit team involved in the arrest was led by Sub-Inspector Saurabh Mishra along with Sub-Inspector Sunil Kumar Tiwari, Head Constables Santosh Singh, Vishwadeep Tiwari, Neeraj Singh, Mahesh Kumar Pandey, and Constable Vinay Prakash Rai.
Case Details
The accused was wanted in Case No. 706/2024, registered at Pura Kalandar police station under sections 309(6) and 317(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for robbery and dacoity.
STF officials had been directed to collect intelligence and take action against absconding criminals and reward-listed offenders across the state, leading to the successful arrest.
Admission During Interrogation
During interrogation, Prakhar Rawat reportedly told investigators that he had worked at the K.M.S. Sugar Mill in Ayodhya about four years ago. During that period, he developed associations with certain individuals and later became addicted to narcotic substances.
According to police, financial difficulties and drug addiction pushed him toward criminal activities, including theft and robbery along with his associates.
Criminal Background
Police records indicate that the accused has been involved in multiple criminal cases registered at Pura Kalandar police station in Ayodhya, including charges related to assault, criminal intimidation, and robbery under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Further Action
Following the arrest, the accused has been sent to Pura Kalandar police station for further legal proceedings. Authorities stated that additional investigation is underway to identify his associates and examine his involvement in other criminal incidents.
The STF reiterated that it will continue its statewide operations to track down absconding criminals and reward-listed offenders to ensure law and order across Uttar Pradesh.
