Jhansi, May 19 -- The political landscape of Bundelkhand has long been intertwined with the shadowy world of dacoits, where election outcomes were once dictated by those lurking in the ravines. What began as a symbiotic relationship between politicians and bandits evolved into a political dynasty, with dacoit families entrenching themselves in the corridors of power.

While some locals believe dacoits still exist, their threat has greatly reduced. Ram Niranjan, 49, recalls a brutal attack on his home one dark night in August 2012 by the Babli Kol gang in Doda Mafi, a village in Chitrakoot, resulting in the deaths of six family members.

However, since Kol was killed in a police encounter in 2019, Niranjan says peace has been restored, and...