Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Kunal alias Kuldeep Tyagi, an accused wanted in a Meerut robbery-related case carrying a reward of Rs 50,000, from Lucknow. The arrest was made on October 24, 2026, near Sabzi Mandi Tiraha in the Jankipuram police station area, following an intelligence-led operation by the STF's Noida field unit.
According to an official STF press note, the accused was wanted in a case registered at Medical police station in Meerut under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators said he had allegedly been evading arrest by changing locations and staying concealed. The police said further inquiries were underway to establish details of his other activities and possible criminal links.
STF Tracks Down Reward-Wanted Accused in Lucknow
The operation was carried out by an STF team from the Noida field unit under the supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police Raj Kumar Mishra and the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police Navendu Kumar. Sub-Inspector Deepak Kumar and other team members were involved in gathering intelligence and coordinating with the investigating officer in the Meerut case.
After receiving information that the wanted accused was present in the Jankipuram area, the STF team informed the investigating officer and proceeded to Sabzi Mandi Tiraha, where Kunal alias Kuldeep Tyagi was arrested at around 8:30 am on October 24.
The accused, a resident of Gangaon village under Khurja Dehat police station in Bulandshahr district, was reportedly around 25 years old and had studied up to Class 12, according to details recorded in the police press note.
Police Detail Earlier Theft and Attempted ATM Robbery Cases
During questioning, the accused allegedly told investigators that he had been involved in a theft at a Radha Soami Ashram in his village in 2018, when he was approximately 17. As he was a minor at the time, he was sent to a juvenile correctional home in Bulandshahr, where he reportedly stayed for around five to six months.
The police account further states that he later joined associates Suraj and Saurabh in an alleged attempt to break open and loot an ATM near DAV College in Bulandshahr. The attempt reportedly failed because they could not break the ATM. A case was registered at Kotwali police station, and the two associates were subsequently arrested and sent to jail, while Kuldeep allegedly remained absconding.
The press note also links the accused to a murder case arising from an old land dispute in his village. Police said a case was registered in Khurja Dehat, Bulandshahr, after Satveer, son of Dharampal, was allegedly shot dead. The case included charges under Sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Arms Act. The accused was arrested in that case and reportedly spent approximately one-and-a-half years in jail.
Meerut Robbery Bid Allegedly Involved Multiple Associates
According to the police account, after his release from jail, Kuldeep allegedly became involved with associates Manish, Harsh and Vicky alias Vikas in a plan to loot a house in Meerut's Takshashila Colony.
On April 15, 2025, the group allegedly entered a house intending to commit the robbery. However, the occupants reportedly resisted and raised an alarm, forcing the suspects to flee without completing the alleged crime. A case was registered at Medical police station in Meerut, and a reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for the accused's arrest.
As per the STF press note, multiple cases were registered against Kunal alias Kuldeep Tyagi in various police stations under Meerut and Bulandshahr divisions, including cases related to theft, attempted theft, murder and the Meerut incident. The accused has now been handed over for further legal proceedings, while local police are continuing the investigation.