3 days ago
Police make sixth arrest in Sarvodayanagar shooting case
Lucknow: Ankit Chaudhary, the sixth member of a notorious gang wanted in connection with daylight shootings in Sarvodayanagar, was arrested late Saturday. Ankit was apprehended just a day after the arrest of Farman Ali, who allegedly opened fire at hotel owner Mursalin on May 25.
The gang, known for moving in convoys of Thar and Fortuner SUVs without number plates, had earlier seen the arrest of four members — Aman Kaushal, Arshal Ghazi, Faiz, and Samriddh Singh, the latter carrying a Rs 10,000 bounty. Police say the group functions like a street cartel, projecting dominance through social media threats and public violence. Survivors of attacks are often coerced into joining the gang; refusal often results in retribution.
With over two dozen criminal cases — ranging from extortion and assault to attempted murder — the gang's footprint spans multiple police stations in Lucknow. Several members are out on bail, allegedly exploiting legal loopholes to resume criminal activities.
Police say the gang's signature style involves chasing targets for kilometres before firing bullets or hurling crude bombs. Shivam Singh and Ayush Arora, named in past attacks, remain key figures under scrutiny. In one 2022 case, 12 gang members on sports bikes ambushed Nadeem Siddiqui near Nilansh Water Park. In 2024, Arshal and Faizal Ghazi allegedly tried to run over a man with a Thar SUV. Aman Kaushal, now in custody, was linked to a bomb attack in Chandhan village last year.
Notably, in 2019, Faiz reportedly ran over three men in a Safari due to an old feud, killing two. He was recently released on bail and allegedly resumed violent activities.
