Patna: A fierce encounter took place between the police and criminals along the banks of the Ganges in Sherpur, under the jurisdiction of the Maner police station in Patna, the capital of Bihar, on Friday morning. Criminals opened fire on a joint team comprising the Patna STF and the district police. In retaliation, the police returned fire, resulting in the deaths of three criminals. During the exchange, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Maner, Rajnish Kumar, sustained a gunshot wound to his hand and has been sent to a hospital for treatment.
The deceased have been identified as JP Yadav, Bablu Kumar, and Suraj Kumar (alias Raja Sharma). According to the police, all three had a criminal history and were wanted in several cases, including murder.
Tip-off about criminals gathering by the Ganges
According to the police, the STF and district police had received information that several criminals had gathered along the banks of the Ganges in Sherpur. It was suspected that they were planning to carry out a major criminal act.
Upon receiving this information, a joint team of the STF and the Maner police cordoned off the area and launched a raid. As soon as the criminals spotted the police team, they opened fire, during which Maner SHO Rajnish Kumar was injured.
Over 40 rounds fired from both sides
According to Patna SSP Kartikeya K. Sharma, more than 40 rounds were fired during the encounter. The police fired 18 rounds, while the criminals fired approximately 24 to 25 rounds.
The three suspects were struck during the police’s retaliatory fire. After the shooting ceased, the police team transported them to a hospital, where doctors declared all three dead.
Two pistols and one country-made firearm (katta) recovered
Following the encounter, the police recovered two pistols, one country-made firearm (katta), and several spent cartridges from the scene. Some criminals managed to escape by taking advantage of the darkness. The police are conducting raids at various locations to apprehend them.
Senior police officers also arrived at the scene. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) collected evidence to assist in the investigation.
The three accused were wanted in connection with the murder of a PACS president
According to the SSP, all three accused killed in the encounter had prior criminal records. They were also allegedly involved in the recent murder of PACS president Sanjit Kumar, alias Bholu, which took place in Maner on the day of Ashtami.
Police state that JP Yadav was the mastermind behind this murder, while Bablu Kumar and Suraj Kumar, alias Raja Sharma, acted as the shooters. Cases had also been registered against them in other police station areas, including Danapur and Shahpur.
Security increased in the area; search for absconding suspects continues
Following the encounter, police vigilance has been heightened in Sherpur and the surrounding areas. Raids are underway to arrest the remaining suspects who are still at large. Police officials are currently examining the evidence recovered from the scene and investigating the entire sequence of events.
