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From Bhojpur to Mumbai, Bihar most-wanted’s run ends in arrest

Harendra ‘Butan’ Chowdhury alias Buttan was tracked down by the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and arrested on August 18 in a joint operation with Maharashtra Police, police said.

Buttan faces 14 criminal cases that include charges of murder, robbery, dacoity, extortion and violations under the Arms Act across Bhojpur, Patna and Vaishali districts.

The Bihar Police have arrested one of the state’s “most-wanted” gangsters with several criminal charges and a bounty of Rs 2 lakh from Maharashtra’s Palghar district.

Harendra ‘Butan’ Chowdhury alias Buttan was tracked down by the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and arrested on August 18 in a joint operation with Maharashtra Police, police said.

Buttan faces 14 criminal cases that include charges of murder, robbery, dacoity, extortion and violations under the Arms Act across Bhojpur, Patna and Vaishali districts, Bihar Additional Director General of Police (STF) Kundan Krishnan said.

“He was brought back to Bihar on transit remand and presented before Ara Court Wednesday.”

A native of Belaur village under Udwant Nagar Police Station in Bhojpur district, Police said Buttan is suspected to be the key conspirator in the April 2023 killing of Deepak Sao, a former Block Development Committee member and sweet shop owner. The murder was allegedly linked to local elections.

“On April 7, Bihar STF and Bhojpur Police recovered an AK-47, four magazines, 43 cartridges and two hand grenades from Buttan’s residence in a coordinated raid. While he fled, his brother, Upendra Chowdhury, was arrested in the case,” ADG Krishnan said.

In 2016, Buttan and his five associates were arrested for the possession of an AK-47 and other illegal firearms. Multiple warrants had been issued against him for arms smuggling, extortion and organised violence.

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According to the police, Buttan was hiding in Mumbai’s suburbs after fleeing from Bihar. Following his arrest on August 19, Bihar STF and Bhojpur Police raided Belaur yet again and arrested his close aide Suresh Singh alias Suresh Rai, and another accomplice Sumit Chowdhury.

“A country-made pistol was recovered from Singh,” one officer said.

Himanshu Harsh

Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance. Professional Expertise & Credentials An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment. Specialized Beats Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues: Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact. Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors. Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues. Personal Interests & Digital Literacy Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More

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