Patna, May 13 (IANS) The police on Wednesday apprehended two criminals following an encounter that took place near the Anandpur embankment within the jurisdiction of the Bihta police station in Patna, Bihar.

During the exchange of fire, which erupted at around 2:30 a.m., the two accused sustained bullet injuries to their legs and were subsequently arrested in an injured condition.

They were initially admitted to the government hospital in Bihta and later referred to AIIMS Patna for advanced treatment.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Awadhesh Saw, alias Videshiya and Pappu Rai, both known sharpshooters with multiple criminal cases — including murder and robbery — registered against them across several districts, including Patna.

According to Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma, the Special Task Force (STF) received intelligence inputs about the presence of criminals in the Bihta area and their plan to execute a major crime.

“Acting on this information, a joint team of STF and local police launched a raid near Anandpur village. The area was cordoned off, and the accused were asked to surrender. The accused were arrested by the police,” Sharma said.

“During the recovery of the weapons, which they hid at an isolated location, the police team reached there. However, the accused allegedly opened fire on the police team. In response, the police retaliated in self-defence, shooting both criminals in the legs before apprehending them,” Sharma said.

Police recovered a country-made pistol (desi katta) and a standard pistol from the spot.

Sharma stated that the accused were involved in several serious crimes, including the Anjani Singh murder case, under the Gaurichak police station limits.

He further revealed that a third accomplice, Deepak Kumar, had already surrendered earlier.

Two police personnel sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire.

The Bihar Police is currently running a statewide crackdown against criminals.

Under this drive, intensified raids are being conducted to arrest wanted offenders.

In cases where criminals attempt to flee or attack police teams, forces retaliate in self-defence — often targeting the legs to immobilise them. This method has been informally known as “Operation Langda”.

–IANS

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