Notorious gangster Sundar Bhati, serving a life sentence for the murder of Samajwadi Party leader Harendra Nagar and his gunner Bhudev Sharma, has been granted bail by the Allahabad High Court and has gone underground since then. Following his release from Sonbhadra jail, Bhati quietly boarded a flight from Varanasi to Delhi. He is believed to have since gone into hiding in Haryana, with a Special Task Force (STF) team from western Uttar Pradesh closely monitoring his movements, media said Today (Oct 26).
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UP: Sundar Bhati, a notorious gangster from western Uttar Pradesh, has been granted bail by the Allahabad High Court, despite serving a life sentence for the murder of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Harendra Nagar and his gunner, Bhudev Sharma. Bhati’s sudden release has raised eyebrows, particularly as reports suggest he has since “gone underground.”
Upon his release from Sonbhadra jail, sources reported that Bhati discreetly boarded a flight from Varanasi to Delhi. Following this, authorities believe he may have gone into hiding in Haryana.
Meanwhile, a Special Task Force (STF) team from western Uttar Pradesh is “closely monitoring his movements,” according to sources on Saturday.
Sundar Bhati: A Fearsome Legacy in Western Uttar Pradesh
Sundar Bhati is widely recognized as one of the most influential gangsters in the region. Originating from Ghanghola village in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, Bhati’s criminal record is extensive, with
“more than 60 cases of murder, attempted murder, extortion, robbery, and assault registered against him.”
His network reportedly spans across various criminal enterprises, solidifying his formidable presence in western Uttar Pradesh’s underworld.
Links to Atiq-Ashraf Case: Expanding the Web of Crime
Before his transfer to Sonbhadra, Bhati was held at Hamirpur jail, where he is said to have formed connections with high-profile criminals, including Sunny, one of three gunmen accused in the murder of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in Prayagraj in April 2023. Sources allege that
“Bhati is said to have recruited Sunny into his network,”
-strengthening his influence within organized crime.
As a result of this connection, Bhati’s name has surfaced in the ongoing investigations tied to the Atiq-Ashraf case. Some investigative reports indicate that-
“Bhati facilitated the supply of Zigana pistols, a foreign semi-automatic firearm manufactured in Turkey, to the shooters involved.”
These connections have deepened suspicions around Bhati’s expanding influence and resourcefulness within the criminal landscape.
Sunny, after his release from Hamirpur jail, reportedly maintained contact with Bhati’s associates, ultimately obtaining a Zigana pistol through Bhati’s network.
This firearm has since become a focal point in uncovering the depth of Bhati’s network and reach within the criminal underworld.
Rising Influence After Rival’s Death
Bhati’s grip on criminal enterprises reportedly strengthened further after the encounter killing of his long-standing rival, Anil Dujana, in May 2023. This took place merely a month after the Atiq-Ashraf murder case, a period during which Bhati’s criminal network appeared to gain momentum.
Following Dujana’s death,
“Bhati is believed to have attempted to expand his control over the scrap business in western Uttar Pradesh,”
-signaling his ambition to consolidate power in Dujana’s absence.
The High-Profile Murder of SP Leader Harendra Nagar
Sundar Bhati’s violent criminal history includes the infamous 2015 murder of Samajwadi Party leader Harendra Nagar and his gunner during a wedding event in Greater Noida.
This brutal act, which shocked the region, became a pivotal case in Bhati’s criminal record. In 2021, Bhati, along with 11 accomplices, was
“sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders,”
-a verdict intended to ensure he would be kept behind bars. However, his recent bail, followed by his disappearance, raises significant questions regarding the handling of high-profile criminals in India’s justice system.
Ongoing Monitoring Amid Rising Threats
As authorities continue to search for Bhati, the STF and other law enforcement agencies remain on high alert.
Given Bhati’s past record and established network, “closely monitoring his movements” is seen as crucial to prevent further escalation of crime and violence in the region.
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