Wanted Criminal Injured in Police Encounter in Hajipur, One Accomplice Arrested

Hajipur: A wanted criminal was injured in a police encounter late Wednesday night in the Digghi Kala Purvi Mali Tola area under Sadar police station limits. The shootout occurred during a joint operation conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) and local police based on confidential intelligence.

According to officials, the injured criminal, identified as Rajiv Mali (40), son of Rajendra Mali and a resident of Digghi Kala, was shot in the knee during the exchange of fire. He was initially treated at Sadar Hospital and later referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for advanced care. He is currently under police custody.

Police said that Rajiv Mali is a notorious offender, facing multiple charges including murder, robbery, extortion, and violations under the Arms Act. A pistol and a spent cartridge were recovered from the encounter site.

Another accused, Pramod Kumar, a resident of Danapur in Patna district, was arrested during the operation. Authorities are currently verifying his criminal background.

Speaking to the media, Vaishali Superintendent of Police Lalit Mohan Sharma confirmed the encounter and said, “Rajiv Mali was wanted in several serious cases, including an extortion and firing incident under Sadar police station limits. He was injured in the leg during the operation and is being treated at PMCH under custody. There were no injuries to police personnel. We are also investigating the criminal history of the second person arrested, Pramod Kumar.”

According to police sources, the team had received a tip-off that Rajiv had returned to his residence. Acting swiftly, officers cordoned off the area and attempted to apprehend him. Rajiv allegedly opened fire at the police, prompting them to retaliate, during which he sustained a bullet injury to his right knee.

Senior police officials including SP Lalit Mohan Sharma and Sadar SDPO Omprakash visited the encounter site and Sadar Hospital to assess the situation and issued necessary directives for further investigation.