Jharkhand News : A gunfight broke out between the Jharkhand Police and members of the Prince Khan gang during an anti-crime operation in the Barkagaon police station area of Hazaribagh district on Thursday morning. The encounter took place near the 13 Mile Transporting Road on the route leading to Lukar, where one alleged gang member was shot in the right leg during retaliatory police firing, while two of his associates escaped into the nearby forest.
Hazaribagh Superintendent of Police Aman Kumar identified the injured suspect as Syed Mohammad Zeeshan, a resident of the Bilawal area of Hazaribagh. He was previously employed as a driver with Triveni Sainik Company. Preliminary investigations have revealed evidence of his alleged links with the Prince Khan gang, including financial dealings with the criminal network.
According to the SP, police had received specific intelligence that members of the Prince Khan gang were planning to carry out a major criminal act in the area. Acting on the tip-off, a special police team launched an intensive search operation. During the operation, officers spotted three suspicious individuals near the location.
Police said the suspects attempted to flee after noticing the team and allegedly opened fire on the officers while escaping. The police retaliated in self-defence, during which Zeeshan sustained a bullet injury to his right leg. He was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment and remains under medical care.
Investigators believe Zeeshan had recently been operating from the Latehar region, where he allegedly played an active role in coordinating the activities of the Prince Khan gang and assisting in the supply of weapons. Police also said he had previously worked as a driver with NTPC. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest the two absconding suspects.
Links to Recent Firing Incident Under Investigation
Police suspect that the gang may also be connected to the recent firing incident near the 13 Mile Transporting Road in Barkagaon. During that incident, assailants allegedly fired seven to eight rounds, creating panic in the area. A pamphlet claiming responsibility in the name of the Prince Khan gang was reportedly recovered from the scene.
SP Aman Kumar said investigators are examining possible links between the recent encounter and the earlier firing incident. Police are gathering intelligence on the absconding suspects and other members of the gang, and a detailed investigation is underway. Officials said the entire criminal network will be exposed once the probe is completed.
Police described the operation as a significant success in their ongoing campaign against organized crime and extortion gangs operating in the region.
