Patna: Bihar Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Harendra Chaudhary, better known as Butan Chaudhary, one of the state’s most wanted gangsters, from the Vasai-Virar region of Maharashtra’s Palghar district. Chaudhary, a resident of Belaur village in Bhojpur district, had been absconding for years and was wanted in more than 15 serious criminal cases, including murder, dacoity, extortion and violations under the Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act.
The Bihar government had earlier announced a reward of Rs 2,00,000 for information leading to his arrest. He was particularly sought in connection with the murder of former Panchayat Samiti member Deepak Sah in April 2023, a killing linked to local election rivalries.
Police records show that Chaudhary’s criminal history stretches back nearly a decade. In April this year, a joint operation at his home in Belaur led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 43 cartridges and two hand grenades, though he managed to evade capture at the time. His brother, Upendra Chaudhary, was arrested during that raid, while his sister-in-law, Urmila Devi, is the elected head of Belaur Panchayat.
According to police officials, Chaudhary will be brought back to Bihar on a transit remand. Several arrest warrants are pending against him, making his capture a significant breakthrough for state authorities.
