In a dramatic late-night operation, police in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district apprehended three individuals suspected of illegal cattle smuggling following a brief encounter. The incident, which resulted in one suspect sustaining a gunshot wound, unfolded near Dhanauti Rai village on the Sohana-Bartha road.
Interception Leads to Exchange of Fire
Acting on intelligence, a joint police team from Salempur and Lar police stations set up an interception point. They stopped a Tata Magic vehicle bearing registration number UP55T 4297, which was found to be carrying a cow, a heifer, and a calf. According to official reports, the occupants of the vehicle attempted a desperate escape by opening fire at the police personnel.
The police team retaliated in self-defence, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During this action, one of the accused, identified as Bhola Yadav (26) from Laxmipur under Surauli police station, sustained a bullet injury in his right leg. He was provided immediate medical attention and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Arrests and Seizures Made at the Scene
The two other suspects were taken into custody directly from the spot. They have been named as Raj Yadav (20) of Manihari village under Salempur police station and Nagendra Kumar (29) of Devbari village under Barhaj police station.
Following the encounter, police conducted a search and made significant recoveries. From the injured accused, they seized an illegal country-made .315 bore firearm, one live cartridge, and an empty shell. The police also confiscated the Tata Magic vehicle used in the alleged smuggling operation and safely rescued the three cattle.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
Salempur Station House Officer (SHO) Mahendra Kumar Chaturvedi confirmed the details of the operation and stated that further legal action is currently underway. The case highlights the continued efforts by police in the region to curb incidents of cattle smuggling. The successful joint operation between two police stations underscores coordinated action against such crimes in the Gorakhpur region.
