Patna: Two police officers were injured after suspected heroin smugglers allegedly opened fire on a police team conducting a raid in the Masaurhi area of Patna late on Friday evening, police said.
Rahul Kumar, Additional Station House Officer (SHO) of Masaurhi police station, and Sub-Inspector Sanjay Kumar sustained injuries during the incident. Both officers were initially given first aid before being referred to AIIMS Patna for further treatment.
According to police officials, the raid was launched after authorities received information that suspected smack (heroin) smugglers and other criminals were engaged in illegal activities in an area west of Mani Chak Pond under the jurisdiction of Masaurhi police station.
Acting on the tip-off, a police team reached the location to apprehend the suspects. Police said the suspects attempted to flee after spotting the officers.
When the police moved to surround them, the suspects allegedly opened fire, triggering panic in the area.
Additional SHO Rahul Kumar sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, while Sub-Inspector Sanjay Kumar was injured when a bullet reportedly grazed his hand.
Following the shooting, police personnel evacuated the injured officers from the scene and rushed them to AIIMS Patna for treatment.
Senior police officials from Patna later arrived at the site to review the situation. Reinforcements from neighbouring police stations, including Masaurhi, Dhanrua and Punpun, were deployed to assist in the operation.
Authorities subsequently cordoned off the area and launched an extensive search operation to track down the assailants.
Police teams are conducting searches in nearby fields, orchards and other suspected hideouts. A special investigation team has also been constituted to identify and arrest those involved.
Officials said efforts are underway to establish the identities of the attackers and that raids are continuing to apprehend all those responsible.
