Police Encounter Leads to Arrest of Wanted Smugglers
In a late-night operation, the Kanpur Dehat police successfully apprehended two notorious cattle smugglers following an armed encounter. The incident occurred in the Shivli police station area between Tuesday and Wednesday night. Both accused individuals sustained bullet injuries to their legs during retaliatory action by the police force and were subsequently taken into custody.
Details of the Nighttime Operation
The sequence of events began when a police team was conducting a routine vehicle check at the Hridaypur turn on Bairi Maitha Road. Officers signaled a suspicious motorcycle to stop. Instead of complying, the two riders attempted to speed away and flee the scene. When they found their escape route blocked and themselves surrounded, the accused allegedly opened fire on the police personnel.
Acting in self-defence, the police team returned fire, aiming at the legs of the suspects. This retaliatory action resulted in injuries to both men, leading to their immediate arrest at the location. The swift response prevented any harm to the officers involved.
Accused Identified and Confessions Revealed
The arrested individuals were identified as Mohar Singh (33) and Raju alias Raju Banjara (38). Both are residents of Teen Tapariya in Rajasthan's Kota district. During subsequent interrogation, they confessed to their active involvement in a cattle smuggling incident that took place on December 11, 2025, within the limits of the Shivli police station itself.
Police investigations revealed that both men have extensive criminal records. More than half a dozen cases are already registered against them in various districts. These previous charges include violations of the Cow Slaughter Prevention Act and the Gangster Act, painting a picture of seasoned offenders.
Recovered Evidence and Legal Action
From the scene, law enforcement officials made significant recoveries. The seized items included:
- Two country-made pistols of 315-bore
- Two empty cartridges and three live cartridges
- Two mobile phones
- The motorcycle used by the accused during the crime
The injured accused were provided medical attention and admitted to a community health centre for treatment. A formal case has been registered at the Shivli police station. The charges include Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 25, and 27 of the Arms Act.
Police Statement on the Successful Operation
Rasoolabad Circle Officer Alok Kumar provided insights into the operation. He stated that police teams were specifically formed to crack down on the cattle smuggling case, acting on credible inputs from an informer. "When the accused tried to flee and fired at the police, necessary action was taken in self-defence. Both were apprehended with bullet injuries in their legs," CO Kumar explained, confirming the circumstances that led to the use of force.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by the Kanpur Dehat police to curb illegal cattle smuggling activities in the region, leading to the arrest of two individuals with a significant history of criminal activity.
