Dreaded gangster Ranjit Mahto alias Ranjit Don, 25, was killed in an encounter with the special task force and the personnel of the district police in Madhubani, around 175km northeast of Patna, on Wednesday morning.

Police said Ranjit who was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, was killed in a fierce gunbattle at a brick kiln on the outskirts of Gobrahi village under the jurisdiction of Jay Nagar sub-division of the district around 3am on Wednesday.

The police fired more than 30 rounds during the encounter, which lasted for about 45 minutes. Two carbines, one country-made pistol and a number of cartridges were found at the spot. His other accomplices, however, managed to escape.

Madhubani superintendent of police Deepak Burnawal said Ranjeet was wanted in three cases of murder, two attempts to murder, eight robberies, three extortions and four dacoity cases in Madhubani and Sitamarhi.

The SP added that Ranjeet's name had figured in the cash loot from a petrol pump at Khajauli recently.

The gang members had also attacked the police team when the latter visited the spot to verify the incident.

In addition, the gang was involved in robbery in a jewellery shop.

The police got clues about Ranjeet's whereabouts from Bala Mishra who was arrested in an extortion case. Bala reportedly revealed to the police that Ranjeet was staying in a brick kiln owned by a former mukhiya (panchayat head).

A senior official of the special task force in Patna said Ranjit had taken shelter at the brick kiln.

The police and the STF, on a tip off, surrounded the brick kiln after which Ranjit and his three associates started indiscriminate firing.

The police also retaliated in which Ranjit was killed.