Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 20 (IANS) In a crackdown on hardened and professional criminals, police in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich arrested two miscreants following separate encounters in different police station jurisdictions, officials said on Tuesday.
Both individuals sustained gunshot wounds in retaliatory firing by the police and have been admitted to a hospital. Both arrested men have extensive criminal records, officials said.
According to the police, the first encounter took place near Khaira Bazar, under the jurisdiction of the Baundi police station late on Monday. Jabir, a criminal wanted in multiple cases, was present there with his associate, Naseem, allegedly planning a major crime.
Acting on a tip-off, the Baundi police surrounded them. Finding themselves cornered, the two men opened fire on the police. In the ensuing retaliatory fire, Jabir (alias Zakir) was wounded, while his associate, Naseem, managed to flee. After taking the injured Jabir into custody, the police set up roadblocks and launched a search for the absconding Naseem, officials said.
Later, police received information that the vehicle the two suspects were travelling in was heading toward Nepal via Nanpara.
Acting on this intelligence, the Nanpara police pursued the vehicle. Upon reaching a deserted area, Naseem opened fire on the police.
In the retaliatory fire, Naseem was struck in the leg and sustained injuries. The police have recovered cash as well as gold and silver jewellery from Jabir and Naseem.
Speaking to IANS, SP Vishwajeet Srivastava said, “A combing operation was underway in Bahraich. Around 10 PM, the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Baundi police station and an SOG (Special Operations Group) team received information that a suspect, who had escaped from Khairighat earlier that same day, was in the Baundi police station area. A checkpoint was set up, leading to an encounter with the police.”
“During the exchange of fire, Jabir Zakir was struck by a bullet, while another individual managed to flee in a car. Following this, intensive checks were initiated. The Nanpara police received information near Bajariya Mor that a car matching the description had been spotted. When the police set up a checkpoint and attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver opened fire on them,” he added.
He added that the police returned fire in self-defence. During this exchange, Naseem was struck and collapsed; he was immediately rushed to the hospital. There are 24 criminal cases registered against Naseem.
The arrested individuals belong to a gang responsible for numerous thefts across various districts in the state.
–IANS
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