Patna: A team from the Narcotics Department was attacked during a raid in Patna, with officers reporting stone-pelting and gunfire as they attempted to detain a suspect, police said on Tuesday.
The five-member team had arrived in a residential area to carry out a search operation when they were allegedly surrounded by local residents and a group of men. According to officials, the situation escalated rapidly, with stones thrown at officers, forcing them to fire three to four rounds in the air in what they described as self-defence. Two personnel sustained minor injuries during the clash.
Amid the unrest, officers arrested a suspect identified as Akash Dhangar, though leaving the area proved difficult as the team found itself trapped by the crowd. Reinforcements from Buddha Colony Police Station later arrived, enabling the officers to safely withdraw with the detainee.
The suspect’s mother, Sunita Devi, disputed the police account, alleging her son had been framed. She claimed neighbours had thrown a packet of heroin near him shortly before the arrest. She also confirmed that gunshots were fired, after which residents retreated indoors in fear.
Police said the accused has a prior criminal record linked to narcotics offences, and that both he and his wife had previously been jailed in related cases.
Krishna Murari Prasad, the assistant superintendent of police, said the team had faced resistance during the raid and that an investigation was under way. “Strict action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said.
