Mastermind Behind Tanishq Heist, Chunmun Jha, Killed in Police Encounter in Araria

ARARIA, March 22, 2025 – In a dramatic late-night operation, the notorious criminal and prime accused in the Purnia and Arrah Tanishq showroom loot cases, Chunmun Jha, was shot dead in a fierce encounter with police in Bihar’s Narpatganj area of Araria district. The operation was a joint effort between Patna STF and local police, who had received intelligence about Jha’s hideout near Thalha canal.

The encounter unfolded during a targeted raid late Friday night. According to officials, both sides exchanged dozens of rounds of gunfire, resulting in multiple injuries on both ends. Jha, who sustained three bullet wounds to the chest and legs, was rushed to Araria Sadar Hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Medical officials later confirmed he had been hit by as many as seven bullets.

Police Close In After Precise Intel

The STF, acting on a reliable tip-off, launched the operation in coordination with Araria police. They surrounded the Thalha canal area, where Chunmun Jha was allegedly hiding with his gang. As the forces closed in, the criminals opened fire. Police retaliated swiftly, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

Chunmun Jha, a native of Majlispur in Palasi, was known as the mastermind behind several high-profile loot incidents, particularly the sensational Tanishq showroom robberies in Purnia and Arrah. His involvement in multiple armed robberies had made him one of the most wanted criminals in the state.

Casualties and Injuries: A High-Intensity Encounter

In the course of the gunfight, five police personnel were injured. The wounded include:

• Inspector Md. Mushtaq (STF)

• Station House Officer Kumar Vikas (Narpatganj)

• STF driver Nagesh

• STF constable Shahabuddin Ansari

• STF personnel Deepak Kumar

All injured officers were immediately transported to Araria Sadar Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. Araria SP Anjani Kumar visited the hospital to check on the officers and personally reviewed their treatment status with attending doctors.

Two local civilians, Mehnaz Praveen and Azmun Khatun, also sustained injuries during the crossfire. Another criminal, reportedly part of Chunmun Jha’s gang, was shot in the leg but managed to flee the scene, prompting an ongoing manhunt.

Leadership and Response Coordination

In the wake of the encounter, law enforcement leadership took swift command. ASP Rampukar Singh and SDPO Mukesh Kumar Saha of Forbesganj spearheaded the response and containment efforts on the ground. The coordinated action involved strategic positioning and controlled offensive measures, ensuring that the gang’s resistance was suppressed while minimizing civilian casualties.

Criminal History of Chunmun Jha

The deceased, Chunmun Jha, had long evaded arrest despite his involvement in multiple armed heists across Bihar. His operations were marked by military-style planning, precise execution, and heavy weaponry. The Tanishq loot cases in Purnia and Arrah—both major commercial hubs—had sent shockwaves through the state, prompting intensified police action and STF deployment.

Jha’s elimination is being seen as a major breakthrough for Bihar Police, bringing an end to the long chase for one of the state’s most elusive and dangerous criminals.

Ongoing Search for Accomplices

While Chunmun Jha was neutralized, the manhunt continues for the injured criminal who fled and potentially other members of the gang still at large. Police are combing nearby areas, checking hospitals for bullet injuries, and monitoring communication channels for any signs of regrouping by the gang.

Authorities have increased surveillance in sensitive zones and set up temporary checkpoints to prevent further movement by any accomplices. Investigations are also underway to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations, including their network, financiers, and other planned targets.

Public Reaction and Police Statement

The local population has expressed relief following the encounter, with many lauding the police for taking decisive action. However, concerns remain over the collateral injuries to civilians during the exchange. SP Anjani Kumar has assured that all protocols were followed, and added that an internal review will ensure operational safety measures are strengthened.

“The priority was to ensure the safety of civilians while taking down a high-risk criminal. We mourn the injuries to our officers and civilians but this was an essential operation for regional security,” Kumar said.