Patna: In a clear signal of zero tolerance towards crime, the newly formed Samrat Choudhary-led government has intensified its crackdown, with police conducting encounters across the state over the past fortnight. From Siwan to Bhagalpur and Patna, four encounters took place, resulting in two accused being killed and two shot in the legs.
Chief Minister’s Directive on Law and Order
The Chief Minister held a meeting with district magistrates and superintendents of police regarding the law and order situation a few days ago. During the meeting, he instructed police officers to take immediate action in cases involving heinous crimes against young girls. “Ensure that the criminals’ photographs are garlanded before the terahvi of the deceased girls takes place,” he said.
After taking oath as Chief Minister on April 15, Samrat directed police to deal with criminals sternly.
Patna Encounter: Robbery Accused Shot in Leg
On April 22, an accused in a jewellery shop robbery case in the Ramkrishna Nagar police station area of Patna was shot in the leg during an encounter. The injured accused, Dilip Kumar, was allegedly involved in robberies worth Rs 15 lakh on April 19. Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said, “A special team was formed to solve the robbery case. During scientific investigation and intelligence gathering, police arrested a man named Udit. He revealed the names of Dilip and Rohan. Both were subsequently arrested and confessed to their involvement.” Police took Dilip for spot verification when he tried to escape and fired at the team with a country-made pistol. In retaliatory firing, he was shot in the leg.
Bhagalpur Encounter: Murder Accused Killed
In Bhagalpur on April 28, murder accused Ramdhani Yadav was shot dead in an encounter hours after the killing of Sultanganj Nagar Parishad executive officer Krishna Bhushan Prasad. Bhagalpur SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav said, “The case would not be strong without recovering weapons and other evidence. The team decided to take Ramdhani to the bypass area for a raid. As soon as the police team reached the bypass with Ramdhani, his associates Deepak Yadav and Pinku Yadav, who were lying in wait, suddenly opened fire on the police team.” He said Ramdhani tried to snatch a weapon and fire, prompting retaliatory action in which he was killed.
Siwan Encounters: Two Accused Shot, One Killed
In Siwan on April 30, Chhotu Kumar Yadav, accused in the killing of Harsh Singh, was shot in both knees. Siwan SSP Puran Kumar Jha said, “Chhotu was detained and interrogated. He admitted three more people were involved in the incident. Police were taking Chotu to recover the weapon. When the team reached Hathaura village and asked Chotu to show the weapon, he suddenly freed his hand, pulled out a weapon and started firing at police. In self-defence, police fired three rounds. Two bullets hit Chotu in both knees. He was immediately taken into custody and admitted at Sadar Hospital for treatment.”
In another encounter in Siwan on May 3, Sonu Kumar Yadav, also linked to the Harsh Singh murder case, was killed in retaliatory firing during a vehicle-checking drive.
