Patna: In a major breakthrough, a joint operation by the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and Patna district police led to the arrest of Vikas Kumar, also known as Vikas Rai, a notorious criminal carrying a reward of Rs 50,000. He was apprehended along with three associates — Govinda Yadav, Ravi Rai and Abhishek Yadav — from the Rajiv Nagar police station area of Patna.
According to police sources, the group had assembled with the intent of carrying out a contract killing targeting a local builder. The police, acting on a tip-off, intervened before the crime could be executed.
A cache of weapons and other items were recovered during the arrest, including a country-made pistol, 10 live cartridges, a magazine, two motorcycles, four mobile phones and Rs 40,000 in cash. All four suspects were under active surveillance.
Vikas Kumar is implicated in several serious offences including the murder of Ramvachan Rai from the Digha police station area. Three cases — murder, extortion and violations under the Arms Act — are registered against him. His associates Govinda Yadav and Abhishek Yadav are also accused in three separate cases, including attempt to murder and Arms Act violations, registered at various police stations across Patna.
In a separate operation targeting Naxalite activity, the Bihar STF and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recovered a 10 kg improvised explosive device (IED) from a gravel path between Hanuman Sthan and Bankura in the Piribazar police station area of Lakhisarai. The IED was safely destroyed in adherence with established security protocols.
