LUCKNOW, Aug. 23 -- The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), Varanasi unit, gunned down notorious criminal Shankar Kannaujiya in an encounter in Azamgarh district on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, additional director general (ADG), law and order, Amitabh Yash said.

Kannaujiya was infamous for beheading his victims and a reward of Rs.1 lakh for his arrest had been announced by the ADG, Varanasi Zone, on September 13, 2024, he added.

The STF recovered a 9mm carbine, a 9mm pistol, a khukri, and a large quantity of cartridges from the spot.

Kannaujiya's unidentified accomplice managed to flee the spot, taking advantage of darkness, the ADG said, adding efforts were on to identify and arrest him.

According to the police o...