The police in Patna apprehended two criminals after an encounter near the Anandpur embankment in the Bihta police station’s jurisdiction. The exchange of fire occurred around 2:30 a.m., leading to the two accused sustaining bullet injuries to their legs and subsequent arrest in an injured state. Initially taken to the government hospital in Bihta, they were later referred to AIIMS Patna for advanced treatment.
The arrested individuals, identified as Awadhesh Saw, also known as Videshiya, and Pappu Rai, are notorious sharpshooters with multiple criminal cases, including murder and robbery, registered against them in various districts, including Patna. Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma mentioned that the Special Task Force (STF) received intelligence about criminals in the Bihta area planning a major crime.
Acting on the tip-off, a joint team of STF and local police conducted a raid near Anandpur village, cordoning off the area and asking the accused to surrender. Despite this, the accused opened fire on the police team during the recovery of hidden weapons at an isolated location. In self-defence, the police shot both criminals in the legs before arresting them. A country-made pistol (desi katta) and a standard pistol were recovered from the scene.
Sharma highlighted the accused’s involvement in serious crimes, including the Anjani Singh murder case under the Gaurichak police station limits. He also mentioned that a third accomplice, Deepak Kumar, had surrendered earlier. During the exchange of fire, two police personnel sustained minor injuries. The Bihar Police is currently conducting a statewide crackdown on criminals, intensifying raids to apprehend wanted offenders. In situations where criminals resist or attack police, the forces retaliate in self-defence, often targeting the legs to immobilize them, a method informally known as “Operation Langda.”
