Patna: A key accused in the daylight robbery of Rs 27 lakh from a security van in Patna was shot and arrested by police during an encounter in the Masaurhi area on Wednesday morning.
Police said the accused, identified as Ajay Paswan, sustained a bullet injury to his leg during an exchange of fire with officers after allegedly opening fire while attempting to escape.
Another accused, identified as Ajay Yadav alias Chhotu alias Sarvan, was also arrested at the scene.
The injured accused has been admitted to hospital for treatment.
Police Acted on Intelligence Input
According to police officials, security agencies had received information that some of the criminals involved in the May 13 cash van robbery had assembled in the Masaurhi area.
A police team subsequently surrounded the suspected hideout.
Officials said the accused attempted to flee after realising they had been cornered. During the operation, Ajay Paswan allegedly fired two rounds at police personnel.
Police retaliated, striking him in the leg and bringing the operation to an end.
Gang Allegedly Planned Gold Merchant Robbery
Investigators said preliminary findings suggest Ajay Paswan and his associates had recently planned another robbery targeting a gold merchant in Masaurhi.
Police claimed the gang had conducted reconnaissance of both the businessman and his shop two days before the encounter.
Rs 27 Lakh Looted From CMS Security Van
The accused are linked to the armed robbery of approximately Rs 27 lakh from a CMS security van in the Gopalpur police station area on May 13.
The robbery took place near Jol Bigha while the security van was transporting cash along its designated route.
According to police, armed criminals lying in wait intercepted the vehicle and overpowered the security personnel at gunpoint before fleeing with the cash-filled chest.
The empty cash box was later recovered nearly 3 kilometres away from the scene.
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Armed Robbery in Patna: Criminals Target Cash Van, Loot Rs 27 Lakh at Gunpoint
Security Guard Recounts Robbery
Jitendra Singh, the armed guard travelling in the van, told police that the team had been transporting cash collected from Big Bazaar in Sampatchak when the attack took place.
According to his statement:
- Five armed criminals arrived on two motorcycles
- They blocked the vehicle near Marcha Mirchi
- The driver, Arun Kumar, was assaulted with a pistol
- The accused entered the van and fled with approximately Rs 27 lakh
Three people were inside the vehicle at the time of the robbery: the driver Arun Kumar, guard Jitendra Singh and a custodian.
