Shahjahanpur, June 24 (IANS) Two wanted criminals, accused in cow slaughter cases and carrying a reward of Rs 10,000 each, were arrested following a police encounter during a joint operation conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG), Surveillance Cell, and Kant Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district.

Illegal country-made pistols, cartridges, and a mobile phone were recovered from their possession.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police (City), Shahjahanpur, Devendra Kumar, a tip-off was received late on Tuesday night that two wanted criminals, booked under the Gangster Act and carrying cash rewards, were present near Jindon Wali Puliya on the Madnapur-Kant road and were allegedly preparing for cow slaughter.

Acting on the information, a joint police team reached the spot and launched a search operation. On seeing the police, some suspects managed to flee, while two accused allegedly opened fire on the police team.

The police retaliated, during which one of the accused, identified as Mohammad Shakir, sustained bullet injuries to both legs. His accomplice, Dharmveer, was arrested after being surrounded by the police. Both are residents of the Bareilly district.

Officials said that during interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement in cow slaughter cases along with two other accomplices, identified as Sanu and Anees, who are currently absconding. Police teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the remaining accused.

Police records show that both Shakir and Dharmveer are wanted in multiple criminal cases, including offences related to cow slaughter, the Gangster Act, the Arms Act, and attempted murder.

Shakir was initially provided with first aid and later referred to the district hospital for further treatment.

A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections at Kant Police Station, and legal proceedings are underway.

Further details are awaited.

–IANS

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