A sharp shooter killed during an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Muzaffarnagar has reignited focus on the ongoing crackdown against organized crime in the state. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, led to the death of notorious gangster Shahrukh Pathan, a known member of the infamous Sanjeev Jiva gang.
According to a statement by Additional Director General of Police (STF/Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, the sharp shooter was killed following an exchange of fire between the STF and the criminal in the Muzaffarnagar district. The encounter is being seen as another successful step in the state’s ongoing mission to neutralize violent elements threatening public safety.
Sharp Shooter Killed: Linked to Sanjeev Jiva Gang

The sharp shooter killed in the STF operation was identified as Shahrukh Pathan, a key figure within the Sanjeev Jiva gang. Jiva himself was shot dead in Lucknow two years ago during a court hearing, leaving a dangerous vacuum filled by emerging criminals like Pathan. A long list of serious criminal charges—including murder and extortion—was registered against Pathan across districts such as Muzaffarnagar, Sambhal, and Haridwar.
During the encounter, the STF arrested Pathan in an injured condition. He was taken to a hospital for treatment but was declared dead by doctors upon arrival. The sharp shooter killed in this high-stakes operation had been under the radar of the UP STF for quite some time.
STF Recovers Arms and Vehicle
Following the encounter where the sharp shooter was killed, the police recovered the following from the scene:
- A pistol
- A revolver
- A country-made pistol
- Multiple rounds of ammunition
- A car without a number plate
The recovery of these weapons and the unregistered vehicle further cements the criminal profile of the sharp shooter killed in the operation. This material evidence is crucial for ongoing investigations and could provide leads on other gang members still at large.
Who Was Shahrukh Pathan?
The sharp shooter killed, Shahrukh Pathan, was not just a minor criminal. He was an established name in the underworld, feared across several districts. His affiliation with the Sanjeev Jiva gang made him a high-priority target for the STF. The gang had a reputation for orchestrating murders, extortion rackets, and involvement in politically charged violence.
Pathan’s end came during a focused and well-planned STF operation. The fact that the sharp shooter was killed in such a tactical engagement highlights the efficiency of the law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh.
Impact on Law and Order
The killing of the sharp shooter in this STF operation sends a strong message to the criminal underworld. With the STF continuing to dismantle organized crime networks, citizens can hope for increased security and reduced gang influence.
This encounter also reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards hardened criminals. The sharp shooter killed here was more than just a foot soldier; he was a pivotal figure capable of mobilizing criminal activities on a large scale.
The sharp shooter killed in Muzaffarnagar marks another major success for the Uttar Pradesh STF. With arms recovered and a notorious criminal neutralized, the operation brings both relief and a stern warning to those involved in crime. As the crackdown on gangsters continues, the law seems determined to ensure that such elements find no place in society.
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