Patna: In a major crackdown on land mafias, Bhagalpur police carried out an operation against the organised land-grabbing gang, and arrested eight active members from the Anand Marg area, an official said on Friday.
The operation was conducted under the directives of Bhagalpur SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav, sending shockwaves among criminal elements in the district.
According to SP Pramod Kumar Yadav, on April 9, 2026, police received a confidential tip-off about an attempt to forcibly capture a valuable plot of land at gunpoint.
Acting swiftly, a special team was constituted, which cordoned off the area and apprehended eight accused red-handed during the illegal occupation attempt.
Briefing the press conference on Friday, SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav revealed that the gang had adopted a calculated strategy to evade detection.
Weapons were transported to the site via an auto-rickshaw—considered less suspicious during routine checks—while the gang members arrived separately on motorcycles without arms to avoid drawing attention.
During the operation, police recovered eight smartphones from the accused.
Preliminary forensic analysis has uncovered crucial evidence, including land documents, property maps, and lists of disputed plots.
Investigators believe this confirms the existence of a well-organised land-grabbing syndicate operating in the city for a considerable period.
Among those arrested is the prime accused, Satyam Kumar Yadav, who was already wanted in multiple serious cases.
He was found in possession of a country-made pistol (desi katta) and live ammunition.
Police also seized clothing worn by the accused during the crime.
Officials stated that several of the arrested individuals have prior criminal records, with cases related to robbery and extortion already registered against them.
Issuing a stern warning, SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav said that illegal land rackets will not be allowed to operate under any circumstances.
“Our teams are conducting continuous raids. Several members of the gang are still absconding but have been identified. Based on digital evidence recovered from mobile phones, we are also probing the role of white-collar individuals who may be backing these criminals,” he added.
The operation marks a significant step in the district police’s efforts to dismantle organised land mafia networks and restore law and order.
(IANS)
