Gopalganj/Patna: A wanted criminal carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was injured and arrested during a police encounter in Bihar’s Gopalganj district early on Saturday, police said.
The accused, identified as Akash Kumar, alias Akash Singh, sustained gunshot wounds to both legs during an exchange of fire with police in the Nagar police station area. He has been admitted to the District Sadar Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment under heavy security.
According to police, Akash, a resident of Baraihata village under Thave police station limits, is wanted in around 12 criminal cases, including murder, robbery, extortion and offences under the Arms Act.
Arrest Followed Intelligence Operation
Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Vinay Tiwari said the accused had been absconding for a long period, prompting authorities to announce a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Police recently received intelligence suggesting that Akash was hiding in Haryana. A joint operation involving the Bihar Police and the Special Task Force (STF) was subsequently launched, leading to his arrest late on Friday night.
Following his detention, investigators questioned him regarding illegal weapons allegedly concealed at various locations.
Encounter During Weapons Recovery
According to police, Akash agreed to lead officers to a weapons cache in the Banjari Bypass area.
“Police and STF personnel arrested him and brought him to Gopalganj. During interrogation, he disclosed information about weapons hidden at a particular location. When he was taken there for recovery, he opened fire on the police team while pointing out the spot. The police retaliated in self-defence, and two bullets struck him in the legs,” SP Vinay Tiwari said.
Police said the accused collapsed after being hit and was immediately taken into custody.
An illegal firearm, live cartridges and spent bullet casings were recovered from the scene, according to officials.
Linked to Murder and Extortion Cases
Police said Akash had been on the radar of the Bihar STF for nearly five years and had repeatedly evaded arrest.
Investigators allege that he was involved in several serious crimes, including the murder of former Thave Mukhiya Quraish Miyan. He is also accused of involvement in robbery and extortion cases.
According to police, Akash had recently demanded extortion money from a steel trader in Thave and allegedly issued a 60-day ultimatum threatening to kill him if the payment was not made.
The threat reportedly prompted police to intensify efforts to trace and arrest him.
Probe Into Criminal Network
Officials said further investigations are underway to identify Akash’s associates and uncover the wider network linked to his alleged criminal activities.
Police are also examining whether additional weapons and other members of the gang remain active in the region.
The encounter is the latest in a series of operations targeting wanted criminals across Bihar as law enforcement agencies continue efforts to curb organised crime and extortion rackets.
