Two alleged sharpshooters wanted in multiple murder cases were injured in a police encounter and later arrested in the Bihta police station area of Patna on Wednesday morning.
The accused were identified as Awadhesh Sao alias Videshiya and Pappu Rai. Both sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the operation near the Anandpur village dam area. They were initially taken to the Bihta Community Health Centre before being shifted to AIIMS Patna for further treatment.
The operation was jointly conducted by Patna Police and the Bihar Special Task Force after intelligence inputs suggested the trio was planning a major crime in the Bihta region.
Police said the two accused, along with a third associate identified as Deepak Kumar from Gaurichak, were detained late Tuesday night. Videshiya is reportedly a resident of Hajipur in Bihar’s Vaishali district, while Pappu Rai is from Bihta.
During questioning, investigators said the accused disclosed that firearms and ammunition had been hidden near a dam in the Bihta area. When police escorted them to the location for recovery, Videshiya and Pappu allegedly retrieved the concealed weapons and opened fire on officers.
Police responded with retaliatory firing, during which both suspects suffered injuries to their legs before surrendering.
According to officials, the accused fired three rounds while the police team fired two rounds in response. Two police personnel also reportedly sustained minor injuries during the exchange.
Deepak Kumar initially attempted to escape during the operation but was quickly apprehended. Police recovered two country-made firearms, empty cartridges and spent bullet shells from the scene.
Kartikeya K Sharma, who visited the encounter site, said Videshiya had an extensive criminal record, including multiple murder cases and Arms Act violations.
Police also alleged that the group was involved in the recent killing of land dealer Anjani Kumar Singh in the Gaurichak police station area and had been operating as contract killers.
