After eluding the police for over 20 years, Bhangar Yadav, crime lord of areas bordering Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, surrendered before the police on Thursday at Patarkhi village in West Champaran district of north Bihar. The 55-year-old bandit was wanted in 106 criminal cases relating to murder, extortion and abduction, and carried a reward of Rs 3 lakh on his head. Bhangar’s surrender has led to the talks about his possible foray into politics. His son Amar Yadav, a member of the district board, has already fought and lost on an RJD ticket. Sources said the bandit, who was already a spent force, surrendered to further the political aspirations of his son. The idea got strength as the district police on Thursday gave plenty of space to the notorious crime lord to turn his surrender into a big event. Locals said the surrender appeared more like a political rally. Supporters of the bandit gathered in good numbers and Bhangar and his son were allowed to address the crowd from the dais projecting themselves as saviours of the poor. Bhangar laid down arms along with two other associates before West Champaran SP K S Anupam. Though it is well known that Bhangar owns an arsenal of sophisticated weapons, he and his associates laid down only 1 carbine, 1 single barrel gun and 1 rifle. When enquired by reporters, Bhangar said: “My gang members ran away with the other arms.” Asked about the allegation of Bhangar striking a deal with the police, SP Anupam said: “It’s baseless. He will face the law.”
