Maharashtra Police Capture Wanted Bhojpur Criminal

On August 18, 2025, authorities in Maharashtra captured Harendra Choudhary, famously known as Butan Choudhury, following a coordinated effort by the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and state police. Choudhury, wanted in 15 criminal cases ranging from murder to arms violations, carried a bounty of ₹2 lakh. He grew up in Belaur village under Udwantnagar police station in Bhojpur and had just come out on bail after serving time for illegal possession of an AK-47. The STF tracked him down across state lines, shutting one escape route in this long chase.

Weapons Cache Throws Light on Dangerous Network

When police raided Butan Choudhury’s home in April 2025, they stumbled upon a stockpile that looked more like a militant arsenal than a gang leader’s hideout. Officers seized an AK-47 rifle, hand grenades, magazines, and live cartridges. The discovery immediately raised questions about how such weapons reached the interiors of Bhojpur. Investigators believe the arms did not come from one-time purchases or local contacts. Instead, they suspect the existence of a larger supply chain that moved weapons across state lines with practiced precision.

This cache also revealed that the gang did not rely on crude, makeshift arms but had access to advanced weaponry that could sustain long periods of violent conflict. Officials who examined the seized items said that the stock was designed to arm more than one person, suggesting that Choudhury was preparing not just for self-defense but for coordinated attacks. Forensic teams are now tracing serial numbers and supply routes, which could potentially link the weapons to cross-border smugglers or corrupt suppliers embedded in the system. Each of these leads, investigators say, strengthens the case that Choudhury operated inside a well-oiled network that went far beyond village rivalries.

The Legacy of a Violent Feud

The feud between Butan Choudhury and Ranjit Choudhary is not just about two men at odds; it is a saga that has scarred Bhojpur for over a decade. Their rivalry began in 2011 after a land dispute spiraled into accusations and bloodshed. Villagers initially hoped that traditional negotiations would resolve the matter, but the disagreement quickly escalated into gang wars. Since then, gangs have killed dozens of men on both sides, uprooted entire families, and divided villages with fear.

Choudhury himself lost his nephew in one of the clashes, while Ranjit’s camp suffered the murder of his brother. These personal tragedies did not soften the animosity. Instead, they hardened it, turning the feud into a cycle of revenge killings that destabilized local politics and pushed young men into armed gangs rather than schools or jobs. Police forces in Bhojpur often found themselves caught in the middle, unable to enforce peace without triggering further violence.

What makes this feud more alarming is its lasting influence on the region’s power structure. Politicians allegedly courted both sides during elections, either for protection or for votes, giving criminal leaders legitimacy in the eyes of the community. Choudhury’s arrest in Maharashtra brings temporary relief, but the roots of this feud run deep. Unless law enforcement breaks the networks and addresses the political complicity, Bhojpur risks falling back into the same cycle whenever another strongman rises.

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