Bhagalpur: A notorious criminal, Mrityunjay Yadav of Sultanganj, was arrested on January 16 after police received information that he was roaming around Kolgama village with the intention of committing murder. Acting quickly on a message sent by a villager, the police launched a cordon operation and successfully caught him. During the arrest, the police recovered weapons, live cartridges, smack and cash from his possession, confirming his involvement in serious criminal activities.
Senior superintendent of police Pramod Kumar Yadav formed a special team as soon as the information was received. The operation was carried out under the supervision of City SP Shailendra Singh and led by DSP (Law and Order) Navneet Kumar. Two police teams sealed the village from different sides to prevent the criminal from escaping. Officers involved in the raid said that Mrityunjay Yadav had earlier managed to avoid arrest several times, but this time the tight police cordon ended his long run from the law.
Police said the arrest is linked to a violent incident that took place on January 15. Mrityunjay Yadav allegedly chased Suman Ram, a resident of Kolgama, and fired four rounds at him with the intention of killing him. Suman Ram narrowly escaped the attack. After failing in his attempt, the accused reportedly hid in a nearby riverine area and later returned to the village, once again planning to kill Suman Ram and his wife, Punita Devi.
The root of the dispute, according to the police and the victim’s family, was opposition to drug dealing in the village. Suman Ram and Punita Devi told the police that their son Rahul Ram was badly beaten after he protested against the sale of smack by the accused. When other family members tried to save Rahul, they were also attacked. Rahul, Suman Ram, Punita Devi and four other injured villagers were treated at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital. Punita Devi has filed a case in this matter.
Police are now questioning Mrityunjay Yadav to gather information about his associates and the weapons they possess. Officials said the arrest has brought relief to the villagers, who had been living in fear due to repeated threats and violence. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
