Patna: A criminal who allegedly opened fire on police personnel during a kidnapping rescue operation in Bihar’s Patna district was killed in a police encounter on Friday evening. The exchange of fire occurred near Manichak Pond in Masaurhi, approximately 400 metres from the Masaurhi police station.
The incident took place around 7:15 pm when police responded to information about the abduction of a young man. During the operation, Additional Station House Officer (SHO) Rahul Kumar and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sanjay Kumar sustained gunshot injuries after being fired upon by the accused.
According to Patna East Superintendent of Police Parichay Kumar, police received information around 7 pm that a youth had been kidnapped and was being assaulted by a group of armed criminals. As soon as the police team reached the spot, the accused opened fire.
Police retaliated, leading to a brief but intense gun battle in which around a dozen rounds were fired from both sides. During the encounter, one of the accused, identified as Mohammad Haider, sustained bullet injuries. He and his associates fled the scene, while police successfully rescued the kidnapped youth.
The injured officers were immediately shifted for medical treatment. Rahul Kumar, who suffered bullet injuries to his arm and leg, was admitted to AIIMS Patna. ASI Sanjay Kumar, who sustained a gunshot wound to his hand, was also hospitalised. Police said both officers are out of danger.
Following the encounter, police received information that one of the fleeing criminals had been injured. Haider was reportedly taken by his associates to multiple medical facilities, including Punpun Health Centre, PMCH, Max Hospital and Paras Hospital. He succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Max Hospital.
Investigators said Haider had a criminal record and had been released from jail only a few months ago after serving time in a murder case. Police confirmed that he had previously been arrested by the Masaurhi Police in connection with a homicide case.
The kidnapping victim, identified as Ranjan Kumar, a resident of Sangatpar and operator of a cyber café, told police that he had been lured to the location under the pretext of a mobile phone transaction arranged through OLX. According to investigators, six armed men arrived in a car, took him to a nearby field, assaulted him, and robbed him of cash and several mobile phones before attempting to abduct him.
Local residents reportedly tried to intervene but were threatened at gunpoint. They subsequently alerted Dial 112 and the local police station.
Police have recovered a motorcycle from the scene and detained three suspects for questioning. Authorities said around six criminals were involved in the incident, and the identities of the remaining accused have been established.
Raids are underway to arrest the absconding suspects. Security has been intensified in the area as police continue to investigate the criminal network linked to the kidnapping and shooting.
Officials said CCTV footage from nearby routes and details of the vehicle used by the accused are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
