A joint operation by Chatra and Hazaribagh police, acting on intelligence, led to the encounter and subsequent death of Uttam Yadav, a notorious criminal. The encounter resulted in Uttam Yadav sustaining fatal gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen, and thigh. His body was brought to Chatra Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Authorities believe the post-mortem will be conducted later that night. Uttam Yadav was also implicated in leading the criminal gang known as the Tiger Group.
In a brazen display of defiance, Uttam Yadav had previously issued threats to contractors and business owners in the Hazaribagh and Chatra districts. He was seen in a video brandishing an AK-47, demanding extortion money and warning of severe consequences for non-compliance. Furthermore, Uttam Yadav claimed responsibility for a shooting incident at a jewelry shop in Hazaribagh in June. This video, which went viral on social media, brought him to the attention of both the police and the public.
Uttam Yadav was facing multiple serious criminal charges, including murder, robbery, and extortion, across various districts in Jharkhand. The police had been actively pursuing him. Their investigation led them to the Bagra-Jabra road, where they attempted to apprehend him. However, Uttam Yadav opened fire on the officers. The police responded, and Uttam Yadav was killed in the ensuing exchange of gunfire.
This incident follows a similar encounter in March 2025, where notorious gangster Aman Sahu was killed in Palamu district. Aman Sahu was being transported by Jharkhand Police from a jail in Chhattisgarh when he attempted to escape, attacking the police and trying to seize a weapon. Police retaliated and Aman Sahu was killed.