Patna: A gunfight broke out between police and criminals allegedly collecting extortion money from boatmen along the Son River in Bihar’s Patna district on Sunday morning, with around 62 rounds fired from both sides.
A suspected kingpin, identified as Avinash Kumar, was injured in the exchange of fire and arrested.
The encounter took place in the Bihta police station area after police received information that a group of criminals was allegedly demanding extortion money from boatmen operating in the middle of the Son River.
Acting on the information, a police team reached the spot and launched an operation to apprehend the suspects. The criminals allegedly opened fire at the police team, following which the personnel retaliated.
Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma said the criminals fired around 40 rounds, while the police retaliated with approximately 22 rounds, taking the total number of rounds fired during the encounter to around 62.
During the exchange of fire, Avinash Kumar sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He was apprehended at the spot and subsequently taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital for treatment, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Police have launched an investigation to identify and track down the other criminals who were allegedly present with Kumar during the encounter.
Following the gunfight, police recovered several weapons and live cartridges from the scene. The recovered items include one country-made rifle, one country-made carbine, two country-made pistols, one country-made firearm and around 25 live cartridges. The boat allegedly used by the criminals was also seized.
According to police, Kumar has a criminal history and has been involved in several cases in the past. Police sources said he is believed to be among the top 10 criminals on the Patna Police list. He is also reportedly wanted in connection with a case involving an AK-47.
Police said that a large quantity of weapons had also been recovered during action against Kumar last year. Investigators are now examining his previous criminal record and gathering information about his alleged gang and associates.
Two police personnel were also reportedly injured during the firing. Bihta police station Sub-Inspector Raju Kumar Singh sustained an injury after a bullet grazed his arm and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Bihta SHO Amit Kumar was also reported to have sustained injuries, though details regarding the nature of his injuries were not immediately available.
Following the incident, Patna West City SP Sanket Kumar and DSP Amarendra Kumar reached the spot and reviewed the situation. Senior officials inspected the encounter site and took details from the police team involved in the operation.
Police have intensified searches along the Son River and adjoining areas to determine how many other suspects were present and the direction in which they fled following the exchange of fire. Raids are being conducted at suspected hideouts, while boats operating in and around the Son River are also being checked as part of the investigation.
IANS
