Was a Liquor Smuggler Arrested After Police Encounter in Bihar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ajay Rai, a liquor smuggler, was arrested following a police encounter.
- Increased police operations are targeting rising crime rates in Bihar.
- Authorities recovered illegal firearms from the scene of the arrest.
- The police are investigating deeper connections to liquor smuggling syndicates.
- This incident marks the third police encounter since the new Home Minister took office.
Patna, Dec 3 (NationPress) A liquor smuggler was apprehended in the Chhapra district of Bihar following a confrontation with the state police.
With the new government in Bihar taking charge, police operations against criminals have escalated, leading to ongoing crackdowns throughout the state.
The incident took place late Tuesday night at Durga Ghat within the jurisdiction of the Manjhi police station in Saran district.
The suspect was named Ajay Rai, a known liquor smuggler.
When authorities instructed him to surrender, Rai retaliated by firing at the police.
As reported by Saran SSP Kumar Ashish, Rai sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the police's defensive response, while another individual involved, Sukesh Kumar, surrendered voluntarily.
The SSP noted that the two smugglers had arrived in the Manjhi area with a significant load of illegal liquor transported via boat.
“Following a tip-off, a police unit led by the Manjhi police station chief secured the area. Upon the boat's arrival at the ghat, the smugglers noticed the police team and opened fire. The police responded, injuring Ajay Rai. Despite his attempts to flee, he was pursued and apprehended,” Ashish recounted.
The injured smuggler is currently receiving treatment at Chhapra Sadar Hospital.
Authorities also seized two country-made pistols, four live cartridges, and two spent bullets from the scene.
This incident marks the third police encounter in a mere 12 days since Samrat Chaudhary assumed the role of state Home Minister.
With an increase in liquor smuggling incidents in Manjhi and its surrounding areas, police are conducting relentless and vigorous operations.
Investigations are underway to uncover the broader network associated with the arrested smugglers, with suspicions of ties to liquor syndicates operating in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Authorities are tracing the source of the consignment and its intended destination.
Notably, in Chhapra, police recently confronted criminal Nandkishore Rai, also known as Shikari Rai, who is facing seven registered cases for murder, robbery, and dacoity.
Just 11 days ago, police had a similar encounter with another suspect, Shivdutt Rai, in Begusarai.