Patna: In a major breakthrough, the Special Task Force (STF) arrested two criminals following an early morning encounter in the Diara region near Pandarak in Barh, Patna district. Acting on a tip-off about armed miscreants hiding in the area, a joint team of STF and local police launched a raid that led to a fierce gun battle.
According to officials, the operation began when the STF reached Diara early Wednesday morning and attempted to corner the suspects. Upon spotting the police, the criminals opened fire, triggering a 30-minute exchange of gunfire. Around 40 to 50 rounds were fired during the encounter.
Following the intense exchange, the criminals—fearing for their lives—surrendered. Two individuals were arrested: Mukesh Yadav, a resident of Mekra village, and Arjun Rai of Teghra village in Begusarai district. The STF recovered two rifles, two pistols, and several live cartridges from the scene.
ASP Rakesh Kumar confirmed the arrests and said interrogation is underway to identify and trace other absconding members of the gang. He also revealed that Mukesh Yadav has a criminal record, including a murder case registered against him in 2015.
Earlier Encounter in Naubatpur on March 5
This encounter follows another major operation on March 5, when STF and Naubatpur police had a three-hour standoff in Sheikhpura village, Patna. During the raid, the police nabbed Bharat Singh alias Bharat Sharma, the brother of wanted gangster Jatha, who carried a ₹2 lakh reward on his head.
Bharat surrendered along with his associates Rohit Kumar, Suraj Kumar, and Shivam Kumar. Police seized three pistols, one country-made carbine, 30 bullets, and three magazines during that operation.
Officials said STF will continue its intensified crackdown against organized crime and illegal weapons in the region.
