Lucknow bank heist suspect gunned down in police encounter while fleeing to Bihar

LUCKNOW: A joint operation by the SWAT and Surveillance teams of Ghazipur police led to the elimination of a wanted criminal, Sunny Dayal, carrying a bounty of Rs 25,000 on any information leading to his arrest.
The suspect, involved in a recent bank heist in Lucknow, was killed during exchange of fire in Kutubpur area of Ghazipur District.
Sunny Dayal (28), son of Nandlal from Munger district, Bihar, was wanted for a heist at the Indian Overseas Bank (Chinhat Police Station, Lucknow), where gang members looted valuables from 42 lockers by cutting through a wall, the police said.
The encounter unfolded after Lucknow police flagged down two masked motorcyclists near Bara Chowki.
The suspects attempted to flee toward the Bihar border. Acting on a tip, police intercepted them near an abandoned dhaba, where the suspects opened fire. In retaliation, police injured one suspect, identified as Dayal, who later succumbed to his injuries. His accomplice escaped under the cover of darkness.
Recovered items include a 32mm pistol, six used cartridges, two live cartridges, stolen silver, and Rs 35,500 in cash.
Superintendent of Police, Ghazipur, Iraj Raja, confirmed, "Efforts are underway to locate the absconding accomplice,".
Meanwhile, operations across the state are underway to capture other gang members, including Mithun Kumar and Vipin Kumar Verma, who played key roles in the heist.
The gang members had entered the Indian Overseas Bank Chinhat branch in Lucknow during the wee hours of Sunday by cutting a 2.5-foot hole in the wall. They looted valuables from 42 of the 90 lockers.
The incident came to light on Dec 22 2024 morning when a local shopkeeper spotted the hole and alerted the authorities.
Deputy commissioner of police (east zone), Lucknow, Shashank Singh said that the gang had comprised seven members, six of whom hail from various districts of Bihar. The seventh accused, Vipin Kumar Verma, is a resident of Lucknow who provided logistical support in reconnaissance and accommodation.
“The gang used professional cutters to open the lockers within 3-4 hours. The motorcycle used by the gang was traced first after which three of the accused were traced,” he said.
Lucknow police on Monday morning had first arrested three accused in the case after an encounter who included injured Arvind Kumar, and his aides Balram and Kailash later in another late night operation Sobind Kumar was eliminated during exchange of fire.