A suspected cattle smuggler was killed and another injured in an encounter with police in Rajasthan's Deeg district on Wednesday, police said.
The incident occurred in the Pahari police station area when police intercepted a group of smugglers near Ghatmika village following a tip-off.
Pahari SHO Yogendra Singh said the smugglers, including Hasam alias Kadha, his son Ashiq and two others, were escorting on motorcycles a mini-truck loaded with cattle when they spotted the police.
"As soon as they saw police, they opened fire. Police retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted nearly half an hour," Singh said.
During the firing, Ashiq was shot and later died while Hasam was injured and was referred to RBM Hospital in Bharatpur for treatment. Three police personnel also sustained injuries in the exchange.
According to police, the sound of gunfire prompted the other smugglers to flee the spot with the vehicle carrying cattle.
Hasam, a resident of Kanwadi village, is a known offender with several cases registered against him related to cow smuggling, slaughter and assault on police, officials said. A reward of Rs 45,000 had been announced for his arrest, they added.
"Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have been called to determine the number of rounds fired from both sides," Singh said.
Further investigation is underway.
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