In a significant crackdown on organized cattle crime, police in Azamgarh district engaged in two separate armed encounters with alleged smugglers on Friday night. The operations, which took place in the areas of Tarwan and Devgaon, resulted in three individuals being injured and detained. Authorities recovered illegal firearms, ammunition, and vehicles used in the crimes.
First Encounter on Pakadikala Road
According to Azamgarh Circle Officer Bhupesh Pandey, the night's events began when a police team from Tarwan was conducting a routine patrol. On Pakadikala Road, they attempted to stop a speeding motorcycle. The rider, instead of complying, tried to make a sudden U-turn to flee but lost control and slipped. The suspect then opened fire on the approaching police officers, who were forced to retaliate in self-defence, injuring the man.
The injured smuggler was later identified as Ekrar. Police provided immediate medical aid and rushed him to a hospital. At the scene, officers confiscated a pistol, several cartridges, and a motorcycle without a registration number. Ekrar is accused of being part of a gang that steals cattle and slaughters them for commercial profit. A manhunt is currently underway for his accomplice, who managed to escape during the confrontation.
Second Clash Near Kaithi Shankarpur Culvert
Almost simultaneously, a second confrontation unfolded in the jurisdiction of the Devgaon police station. Acting on a specific tip-off, a joint team from Devgaon and Gambhirpur police stations was alerted about criminals transporting stolen cattle. The suspects were reportedly moving from Basahi towards Lalganj in a pickup van.
The police set up an interception near the Kaithi Shankarpur culvert. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the occupants inside the van opened fire on the police party. The police responded with controlled fire, aiming at the legs of the assailants, and successfully subdued two individuals.
Notorious Criminals with Lengthy Records
The two men arrested from the pickup van were identified as Harun, also known as Nate or Kariya, from Gambhirpur, and Mohd Azim from Devgaon. Both were injured in the exchange of fire and were promptly taken to a medical facility. Police seized two country-made pistols, live cartridges, and the pickup van from their possession.
Investigations revealed that Harun and Azim are inter-district criminals involved in a organized racket encompassing cattle theft, vehicle lifting, and illegal cow slaughter. More than 50 criminal cases are registered against them across multiple districts, including Azamgarh, Jaunpur, and Raebareli, highlighting their extensive criminal history.
The twin operations underscore the ongoing efforts by Azamgarh police to combat organized cattle smuggling networks that operate across district borders. The use of firearms by the suspects indicates the dangerous nature of these gangs. Police officials have stated that investigations are continuing to uncover the full extent of these smuggling operations and to apprehend all remaining members.
