Gangster wanted in Ayodhya dacoity case lands in UP STF net

Shivam Singh alias Aryan was arrested near Amoni canal in Chhawani police station area of Basti district

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday arrested a reward-carrying accused wanted in a dacoity case registered in Ayodhya, officials said on Friday.

The arrest was made in connection with a case registered at Bikapur police station last year. (For Representation)

According to an STF press release, the accused, Shivam Singh alias Aryan, son of Ramchandra Singh and a resident of Sirsaheda village under Parasrampur police station in Basti district, was arrested near Amoni canal in the Chhawani police station area of Basti.

The arrest was made in connection with a case registered at Bikapur police station in Ayodhya district relating to dacoity and criminal conspiracy. A reward of ₹50,000 had been announced for his arrest. The STF said the accused was absconding in connection with the case registered in 2025.

During preliminary questioning, Shivam allegedly admitted to being part of an organised gang involved in kidnapping, ransom, dacoity and theft since 2019. Officials said he had earlier been jailed in connection with the 2022 kidnapping of a trader in Gonda’s Chhapiya area where the gang allegedly abducted the victim and demanded ₹20 lakh ransom.

The STF said the accused had recently been working with gangs led by Rajkumar Yadav of Basti and Vikas Mishra of Gonda and was allegedly involved in a robbery incident involving a motorcycle rider in September 2025 linked to the Ayodhya case in which he was wanted.

Police records show that Shivam has an extensive criminal history with at least 11 cases registered against him across Basti, Gonda and Ayodhya, including charges of attempt to murder, extortion, robbery, kidnapping and offences under the Arms Act and the Gangsters Act. Following the arrest, he was handed over to the Ayodhya police for further action, the STF said.