A Special Task Force (STF) constable was martyred while two wanted criminals were killed in an encounter in Bihar’s Motihari district in the wee hours of Tuesday, police said.
The gunfight took place around 2:30 am on Tuesday in Ramdiha village under the Chakia police station area during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.
The deceased constable has been identified as Shriram Yadav. The two criminals killed in the encounter were Kundan Thakur and Priyanshu Dubey, both residents of the Chakia area and known offenders with multiple cases registered against them under the Arms Act.
According to police officials, the operation was launched after the Additional Station House Officer of Chakia police station received a threatening phone call from a Nepal-based number two days earlier. The callers, who identified themselves as Kundan and Priyanshu, allegedly challenged the police and threatened to kill 10 to 15 personnel in an encounter.
The threat triggered panic within the police department, prompting swift action. Using technical surveillance and call tracing, authorities tracked the accused to Ramdiha village. A joint team of local police and STF personnel subsequently moved in to cordon off the area.
As security forces surrounded the village, the criminals opened indiscriminate fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes. During the encounter, both accused were shot dead. However, STF constable Yadav sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two pistols, and a substantial quantity of live ammunition from the site. Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were involved in illegal arms smuggling and operated along the India-Nepal border.
Senior officials, including the Champaran Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Motihari Superintendent of Police, reached the spot and reviewed the situation. They have directed teams to intensify search operations in the region.
Police suspect that three to four associates of the deceased criminals managed to escape during the encounter and fled into nearby forest areas. Search operations and raids are currently underway to trace and apprehend them. Security has also been heightened along the Nepal border.
Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat and Motihari District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal visited the residence of the martyred constable and assured his family of all possible assistance, including financial support.
Shriram Yadav is survived by his wife and two young children. Local residents stated that Ramdiha village has long been associated with criminal activities, largely due to its proximity to the India-Nepal border.
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