Brijesh Singh, a prominent figure in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, is known for his influential status and controversial past. His life story is a captivating blend of academic promise and a life immersed in the criminal underworld, a narrative often compared to a Bollywood film.

Wiki/Biography

Brijesh Singh (also known as Arun Kumar Singh) was born on Monday, November 9, 1964 (age 58 as of 2022), in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He spent his childhood in Dhaurahara village, Varanasi. Initially a high-achieving student, he passed his intermediate exams from Udaipratap Inter College, Varanasi, in 1984 with distinction. He began a B.Sc. degree but abandoned his studies to pursue a life of crime.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
• Hair Colour: Black
• Eye Colour: Black

Family & Caste

Brijesh Singh hails from a Thakur (Kshatriya) family in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. His father, Ravindranath Singh, worked in the Ghazipur irrigation department and was a local politician. Tragically, Ravindranath Singh was murdered on August 27, 1984, by political rivals in Ghazipur. Brijesh’s older brother, Uday Nath Singh (also known as Chulbul Singh), was a BJP MLC for twelve years, passing away in February 2018.

Relationships, Wife & Children

Brijesh Singh is married to Annapurna Singh (also known as Punam Singh), a former BSP MLC. Their daughter, Priyanka Singh, is married to Swatantra Singh, a police officer.

A Science Student-Turned-Criminal

The murder of his father in 1984 profoundly impacted Brijesh, pushing him toward a life of crime. He sought revenge, culminating in the killing of Harihar Singh, one of his father’s murderers, in 1985. This marked the beginning of his criminal career. His actions escalated, involving the use of an AK-47 in a public murder, a shocking event in Eastern Uttar Pradesh at the time. The subsequent gang wars and police encounters further cemented his notoriety.

The Sikraura Massacre

In pursuit of revenge against the remaining members of the Harihar and Panchu Singh gangs, Brijesh Singh perpetrated the Sikraura massacre, killing seven people, including Gram Pradhan Ramchandra Yadav and his children. Although initially charged, he was acquitted in 2018 due to insufficient evidence. A subsequent appeal was also dismissed in 2023.

The Making of a Mafia

Initially driven by revenge, Brijesh Singh expanded his criminal empire across Purvanchal, partnering with Tribhuwan Singh. Their ventures included illegal liquor, silk, and coal businesses, establishing them as major players in the region and even extending into Bihar.

Biggest Rival

In the 1990s, a bitter rivalry developed between Brijesh Singh and Mukhtar Ansari, another powerful figure in Purvanchal. Their conflict centered around government contracts and tenders, leading to a bloody gang war with numerous casualties. The feud continues to this day.

Connection with Dawood Ibrahim

Seeking refuge from Mukhtar Ansari’s gang, Brijesh Singh fled to Mumbai where he connected with Dawood Ibrahim’s associates. He was tasked with avenging the murder of Ibrahim Kaskar, resulting in the killing of four members of the Gawli gang at JJ Hospital. While initially close, their relationship soured after the 1993 Mumbai blasts, leading to Brijesh’s multiple, unsuccessful attempts to assassinate Dawood Ibrahim.

Arrest

Following the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai in 2005, Brijesh Singh went into hiding. He was eventually arrested by Delhi Police in Bhubaneswar in 2008 and spent several years in jails across India, facing charges under MCOCA.

Political Career

While imprisoned, Brijesh Singh cultivated political ambitions. He unsuccessfully contested the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Subsequently, his wife, Annapurna, entered politics, becoming an MLC. In 2016, Brijesh Singh himself became an independent MLC with implicit BJP support.

Facts/Trivia

• Brijesh Singh faces over 30 serious criminal charges.
• Anecdotes portray him as both ruthless and strangely respectful, even showing a ritualistic display of respect before killing his enemies.
• His actions and daring earned him nicknames like “Desh Bhakt Don,” “Hindu Don,” and “Robin Hood of the East.”
• He was initially friends with Mukhtar Ansari before their rivalry escalated.
• He was acquitted in the JJ Hospital shooting case due to lack of evidence.
• His involvement in various criminal activities, including the kidnapping and murder of Surya Dev Singh’s son, extended his reach and influence across various businesses and regions.
• The web series “Raktanchal” is said to be inspired by the gang wars between Brijesh Singh and Mukhtar Ansari.

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