2 days ago
Surge in police operations signals stronger measures against crime
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Patna: In a strong demonstration of intent against rising crime, Bihar Police carried out five encounters in Patna, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali within three days — from June 12 to June 14 — resulting in several arrests and injuries to alleged criminals.
Though officially framed as retaliatory actions, the encounters followed a strikingly similar pattern in each case, resembling the style of Uttar Pradesh's 'Operation Langda'. Typically, the accused attempted to escape from custody, opened fire at police and were subsequently shot in the leg. However, police have firmly denied emulating the UP model.
"We are not following the UP model here. If criminals react, the police will also respond.
We do not appreciate police encounters, but sometimes such situations arise when the police have to respond sternly against the hard-core criminals," said additional director general (ADG) of police (headquarters), Kundan Krishnan. "When police act, criminals fire shots to escape. If such a situation arises, the police will also take action," he added.
Patna witnessed three separate encounters on consecutive days.
In the first, Ishu Kumar, accused in the murder of security guard Raja Kumar (32), was arrested near Mainpura Gate No. 44 in the Patliputra police station area on June 10. During an arrest operation in Narayanpur, Bihta, on June 12, Kumar allegedly tried to escape under the pretext of using the bathroom. After repeated warnings, he was shot in the left thigh.
"The accused deliberately tried to escape, forcing the police to take action.
We warned him to stop, but he didn't comply. Instead of targeting him, a shot was fired at his leg to subdue him," said outgoing Patna SSP Avkash Kumar.
The second incident took place in the Khusrupur police station area on the morning of June 14. Angesh Kumar, wanted in over 12 cases including attempted murder and arms violations, tried to flee and fired at police during a weapon recovery operation. Police returned fire, injuring him in the leg.
The third encounter occurred on the night of June 13 in Danapur. Vivek Kumar (17), accused in a shooting death, opened fire at police after snatching a weapon during a recovery operation. He was shot in the leg in retaliation.
In Vaishali's Hajipur area, a joint STF and local police operation in the intervening night of June 12 and June 13 led to an exchange of fire. Known criminal Rajiv Mali was injured and his accomplice, Pramod, was arrested. "The exchange of fire began when an STF team and local police approached Mali's residence, leading to the criminals initiating gunfire," said Vaishali SP Lalit Mohan Sharma.
Muzaffarpur saw a similar encounter on June 13 near Kali Sthan in Saraiya. Rahul Kumar alias Rider, a history-sheeter, sustained bullet injuries after attempting to escape police questioning by snatching a pistol.
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