Gorakhpur: Ajay Nat, one of Bihar’s most-wanted criminals and kingpin of the Nut gang, was arrested by police from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and later injured in an encounter near Jigana Dhala in Gopalganj district early on July 26. Police fired in self-defence after Nat allegedly opened fire with a concealed weapon during a recovery operation.
According to officials, the 25,000-rupee rewardee was apprehended by a team led by Mirganj SHO Praveen Kumar after receiving intelligence about his escape plans. He was reportedly preparing to flee to Delhi by train when he was intercepted in Gorakhpur.
After his arrest, he was taken to Gopalganj for recovery of weapons. Police said that as they reached near Jigana Dhala around 3:00 am, Nat pulled out a hidden weapon and fired at the team. In retaliation, police shot him twice in the leg. He was taken to Sadar Hospital and later referred to PMCH in Patna. His condition is stable.
Gopalganj SP Awadhesh Dixit confirmed that Nat is accused in 30 to 35 serious criminal cases, including robbery, snatching, and attempted murder, across Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Police are now investigating the extent of his operations, including suspected involvement in train robberies across Deoria, Kushinagar, and Gorakhpur.
The incident created panic among local residents who woke up to the sound of gunfire. By morning, news of the encounter had spread across Mirganj, sparking widespread discussions.
Police are now working to dismantle the rest of Nat’s criminal network. Several associates are believed to be active, and arrests are expected soon. A speedy trial has also been proposed to ensure swift justice in the multiple cases pending against him.
SP Awadhesh Dixit visited the injured accused at Sadar Hospital and later confirmed ongoing operations to trace and arrest other members of the gang.
