Patna: Bihar witnessed three separate police encounters within 24 hours as law enforcement agencies intensified operations against criminal networks across the state.
The latest encounter took place in Patna on Tuesday morning, where police shot and arrested an accused linked to the daylight robbery of Rs 27 lakh from a security van earlier this month.
Accused Injured During Encounter In Patna
According to police officials, officers received intelligence that several accused involved in the May 13 security van robbery had gathered in Udayani village under the jurisdiction of Gopalpur police station.
Police teams subsequently surrounded the area.
Officials said the accused opened fire after spotting the police, prompting retaliatory firing by the police in what authorities described as self-defence.
During the exchange:
- one accused sustained a gunshot injury to the leg
- four others were chased down and arrested
The injured accused was admitted to hospital for treatment.
Police Recover Cash, Weapons And Stolen Goods
Kartikeya Sharma said police had earlier arrested three accused — Suraj Pandey, Aditya Kumar and Ravi Kumar — in connection with the CMS security van robbery case.
He added that police later received information regarding another accused, Nitish Kumar, who was allegedly travelling on a motorcycle.
According to officials, police recovered:
- a pistol
- a country-made firearm (katta)
- Rs 5 lakh in cash believed to be part of the stolen money
- the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime
- helmets and clothing linked to the accused
Police also seized an iPhone that investigators said had been purchased using the looted cash.
Officials stated that all the arrested accused were residents of Didarganj in Patna.
Separate Encounters Reported In Siwan And Patna
Earlier on Monday morning, police in Siwan shot an accused in the leg during an operation linked to the Jamapur jewellery shop robbery case.
Officials said the bullet passed through the accused’s knee during the encounter.
In another incident in Patna, police arrested two accused connected to a case involving the robbery and shooting of a teacher.
During that operation:
- one accused, identified as Sandeep alias Badal, sustained a bullet injury to the leg
- another accused, Prince, was arrested
Chief Minister Reiterates Hardline Position On Crime
The encounters came a day after Samrat Chaudhary issued a strong warning against criminal activity.
On Monday, the Chief Minister said:
“If outlaws open fire, they will be met with bullets.”
The statement was seen as a reaffirmation of the government’s aggressive stance on law and order amid a recent spate of criminal incidents in the state.
