Police encounter on Ganga banks in Patna, 3 criminals killed in 40 rounds of firing

A fierce clash broke out between the police and criminals late Friday night at Sherpur in the Maner police station area of Bihar's capital, Patna. Three criminals were killed in this encounter on the banks of the Ganga river. During the incident, more than 40 rounds of firing took place between the police and the criminals, in which the Station House Officer (SHO) of Maner police station sustained a gunshot wound to the hand.

A joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and district police had received secret information that more than half a dozen criminals had gathered on the banks of the Ganga in Sherpur. The police were informed that these criminals were planning to execute a major criminal incident. Upon receiving this information, the STF and the Maner police station team jointly cordoned off the area and launched a raid.

As the police team advanced to make arrests, the criminals suddenly opened fire on the police. In this unexpected attack, the SHO of Maner was shot in the hand. Subsequently, the police took positions and initiated retaliatory action. A prolonged shootout ensued between the two sides.

Patna SSP Kartikeya K. Sharma stated that more than 40 rounds of firing occurred during the encounter. Of these, 18 rounds were fired by the police and approximately 24 to 25 rounds were fired by the criminals. Three criminals were killed in the clash. The deceased criminals have been identified as JP Yadav, Bablu Kumar, and Raja Sharma.

According to an NDTV India report, the police had received specific information that an absconding accused in the murder case of the PACS president of Danapur and Maner was present around the Sherpur Ganga Ghat with his associates. This is why the police had reached there to conduct the raid.

SSP Kartikeya K. Sharma further stated that all three killed criminals had prior criminal records. Their involvement had also come to light in a murder incident that took place in Maner on the day of Ashtami, and all three accused were wanted in that case. Additionally, various cases were registered against them at other police stations, including Danapur and Shahpur.

Police recovered two pistols, one country-made katta, and some cartridges from the spot. However, some criminals managed to escape by taking advantage of the darkness. The police are currently conducting raids at various locations in search of the absconding criminals.

Following the incident, police security has been increased throughout the area. Senior police officials are investigating the scene and are engaged in further legal proceedings. An intensive search operation is being carried out by the police to arrest the absconding accused.