Siwan/Patna: Police in Bihar shot dead a wanted criminal during an early morning encounter on Sunday, in what officials say is part of an intensified crackdown on organised crime across the state.
The accused, Sonu Kumar Yadav, who carried a bounty of Rs 25,000, was identified as the prime suspect in the April 29 killing of Harsh Kumar, the nephew of BJP leader Manoj Singh. The incident had taken place near Dhala under the Siwan Nagar Police Station area.
According to police, the encounter occurred near Lakri within the jurisdiction of Barharia Police Station when officers attempted to intercept Yadav following a tip-off. Authorities said he was allegedly on his way to commit another crime when the police team moved in.
A team led by SDPO Ajay Kumar Singh, acting on directions from SP Puran Kumar Jha, cordoned off the area. Police officials said Yadav opened fire during the operation, prompting retaliatory firing in which he sustained critical injuries.
He was taken to the Sadar hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police allege that Yadav was responsible for fatally shooting Harsh Kumar, while Chandan Singh — the brother-in-law of Manoj Singh — was seriously injured in the same attack.
In related developments, another accused, Chhotu Yadav, had earlier been arrested following a separate encounter and is currently undergoing treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital. A third suspect, Sunil Yadav, has also been apprehended along with the vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
Security operations in the area have since been stepped up, with police continuing raids to track down other absconding suspects.
However, the absence of a detailed official statement on the encounter has raised questions, even as authorities project the operation as part of a broader campaign against criminal networks in the region.
