Patna, June 13 (IANS) A criminal injured in a police encounter in Bihar’s Patna district succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, while two policemen were wounded during the exchange of fire, officials said.

According to the police, a criminal identified as Mohammad Haider was shot and injured during retaliatory firing late on Friday night. He was admitted to Paras Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Patna (East) City SP Parichay Kumar stated that the incident was related to the abduction and attempted robbery of a youth under the pretext of buying or selling a mobile phone through an app.

A group of youths had allegedly taken the victim near Manichak village and were attempting to rob him of his mobile phone and cash when the police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident.

“Two of our police personnel were injured during the exchange of fire with the criminals. One criminal was also injured and later died during treatment. The case is linked to a robbery attempt involving a mobile phone transaction through an app,” SP Parichay Kumar said.

During the encounter, the criminals reportedly opened indiscriminate fire on the police team. Rahul Kumar, Additional SHO of Masaurhi police station, sustained a bullet injury to his thigh, while ASI Sanjay Kumar was shot in the hand. Both injured officers are currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Patna and are stated to be out of danger.

Mohammad Haider, who was injured in the retaliatory firing by the police, was initially taken to Punpun PHC and later shifted to PMCH, Max Hospital, and finally Paras Hospital, where he died in the early hours of Saturday.

Police officials said that all six accused involved in the incident have been identified. Following the encounter, intensive raids and search operations have been launched across the area.

SP Parichay Kumar stated that the remaining accused would be arrested soon. The police have intensified search operations in and around the area and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved to prevent such incidents from recurring.

–IANS

ajk/skp