Bihar encounter: Murder accused Bikku Singh shot in leg during weapon recovery in Jehanabad
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A murder accused sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg during a police encounter in Jehanabad district, Bihar, on the night of Thursday, 22 May, when he allegedly opened fire on a police team during a weapon recovery operation. The accused, Bikku Singh, had been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Deepak Kumar, who was killed two days earlier under the jurisdiction of the Bhelawar police station.
How the Encounter Unfolded
According to police officials, Bikku Singh was being escorted to a canal bank near Dhuriyari village under the Ghosi police station area late Thursday night to help recover the firearm allegedly used in the murder. During the operation, the accused reportedly retrieved the concealed weapon and opened fire on the accompanying police team.
One bullet struck the vehicle of the Ghosi Station House Officer, damaging it. The accused then allegedly attempted to flee, prompting police personnel to open retaliatory fire. Bikku Singh was hit in his left leg and collapsed at the scene.
Medical Treatment and Hospital Security
The injured accused was first taken to the Ghosi Primary Health Centre for first aid before being referred to Jehanabad Sadar Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. In response to the situation, security at the hospital has been significantly tightened — police personnel have heavily barricaded the premises, entry restrictions are in place, media access has been curtailed, and patients entering the facility are being subjected to questioning and security checks.
Senior Official Confirms the Operation
Manoj Kumar Pandey, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Jehanabad, confirmed the sequence of events, stating that the recovery operation was initiated based on information provided by the accused during interrogation. Officials added that Bikku Singh has been booked under relevant sections of the law pertaining to murder and the Arms Act.
Background and What Happens Next
The encounter comes just days after the murder of Deepak Kumar triggered unrest at Jehanabad Sadar Hospital. This is the latest in a series of encounter-linked incidents involving weapon recovery operations in Bihar, where such operations have drawn periodic scrutiny over procedure and accountability.
According to police, Bikku Singh will be produced before the district court once he is discharged from hospital. The investigation into the original murder remains ongoing.