Siwan: Two suspected criminals were injured in a police encounter late Tuesday night on the Siwan–Patna via Malmalia main road near Laheji village under Basantpur police station limits.
According to police, the incident occurred during a vehicle checking drive launched on the basis of a tip-off. Officers had received information that two suspects were travelling on a motorcycle towards Patna.
As the police intensified checking in the Basantpur area, the two men on the bike reportedly came face-to-face with the police team near Laheji village. On spotting the police, they allegedly attempted to flee. When chased, the suspects allegedly opened fire at the police team.
Police retaliated, during which both suspects were shot in the leg and taken into custody.
Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha said the injured suspects have been identified as Rohit Kumar Sharma (25), a resident of Sadarpur in Barharia police station area, and Rohit Kumar Kushwaha alias Rishu (19), a resident of Chaukihasan village.
Both were taken under police custody to Patna for treatment. A heavy police presence was deployed at the hospital where they were admitted.
Police said both men sustained bullet injuries in their legs during the encounter.
According to the SP, the suspects were allegedly involved in recent robbery cases at Arun Jewellers and Manmohit Jewellers. Sharma is also suspected to have links to several inter-state robbery cases.
“Rohit Kumar Sharma has been involved in robbery incidents reported in Basantpur, Khodi Pakad and Bagora areas, and his links have also been traced to cases as far as Hyderabad,” SP Jha said.
Police officials said they had prior information about the suspects’ movement, which led to the checking operation on the highway.
During the encounter, around four rounds of firing were reported. Police said further investigation is underway to determine the suspects’ involvement in other criminal cases.
