Rahul Singh gang shooter injured in Ranchi encounter, two arrested
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A shooter linked to Jharkhand's notorious Rahul Singh gang was injured in a police encounter in Ranchi's Nayasarai area on Tuesday, 27 October, officials confirmed. The injured accused and an associate were arrested following the gunfight near the railway line in the Nayasarai locality, which falls under the Assembly police station limits.
How the Encounter Unfolded
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Ranjan, a special police team received specific intelligence that a gang shooter, identified as Shahid, was travelling on a motorcycle from Daladali Chowk towards the Assembly area along with an accomplice, reportedly intending to carry out a serious criminal act. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, officers cordoned off the Nayasarai locality and laid an ambush.
When the suspects found themselves encircled, they allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on the police team. Officers retaliated in self-defence, during which Shahid sustained a bullet wound to his leg. Despite the injury, he reportedly attempted to flee before being chased down and apprehended along with his associate. He was subsequently admitted to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for treatment.
What Police Recovered
Officers recovered a country-made pistol and two live cartridges from the scene. Preliminary investigation indicated that Shahid is a resident of Lohardaga district and is suspected of involvement in multiple serious criminal incidents across Ranchi and neighbouring districts.
Criminal Background and Suspected Offences
Police suspect Shahid's involvement in at least three prior incidents: the firing at a petrol pump on Ring Road in the Kanke police station area, a robbery case in Bero, and a shooting at the Shivaliya Construction site linked to the Bharatmala Project in Gumla district. SSP Ranjan noted that the Rahul Singh gang had been under active surveillance since the Ring Road petrol pump incident, which triggered the intelligence-led operation.
Aftermath and Ongoing Crackdown
Following the encounter, Ranchi Police launched a city-wide search operation to track down remaining members of the Rahul Singh gang, officials said. The operation signals an intensifying crackdown on organised crime networks operating across Jharkhand's capital and its adjoining districts. Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.