CSP robbery accused shot in police encounter in Sitamarhi, 5 arrested
Synopsis
Just 15 days after walking out of jail, Phekan Kumar allegedly led a ₹1.5 lakh CSP robbery in Sitamarhi — and was shot in a police encounter two days later after firing at officers. The case puts a sharp spotlight on post-release surveillance of habitual offenders in Bihar.
Key Takeaways
Phekan Kumar , prime accused in a ₹1.5 lakh CSP robbery , was shot in the leg and arrested during a police encounter on 3 July 2026 near Revasi village, Sitamarhi .
Kumar had allegedly been released from jail only 15 days before committing the robbery at a Central Bank of India CSP in Anhari village on 1 July 2026 .
He and associates allegedly fired three rounds at police; officers returned fire with two rounds , one striking the accused.
Police recovered three country-made pistols , two live cartridges , and a stolen Apache motorcycle from the accused.
Four associates — Laddu Kumar , two persons named Avinash Kumar , and Kamlesh Kumar — were arrested separately near Husaina Bridge .
Raids are ongoing to nab remaining absconding suspects; case registered as Riga PS Case No.
The prime accused in a Customer Service Point (CSP) robbery case was arrested following a late-night police encounter on Thursday, 3 July 2026, near an orchard in Revasi village under the Riga police station limits of Bihar's Sitamarhi district. The accused, Phekan Kumar, sustained a bullet injury to his leg after allegedly opening fire on a police team attempting to intercept him during a search operation.
How the Encounter Unfolded
Phekan Kumar and his associates allegedly fired three rounds at the police team, with one bullet striking a police vehicle. Officers responded in self-defence, firing two rounds, one of which struck the accused in the leg. He was first taken to Sadar Hospital for first aid before being referred to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur for further treatment.
Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan confirmed that the encounter occurred when officers moved to intercept Kumar during an active search operation. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, along with SP Amit Ranjan and Sadar SDPO Rajiv Kumar Singh, visited the encounter site to collect scientific evidence.
The CSP Robbery That Triggered the Operation
The chain of events began on 1 July 2026, when Phekan Kumar and his associates allegedly robbed a Central Bank of India CSP operator of ₹1.5 lakh in Anhari village under the Riga police station area. The case was registered as Riga Police Station Case No. 268/26, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted immediately.
Investigators traced the accused using CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and human intelligence. Acting on a tip-off, the Town Police raided an area near Husaina Bridge on Thursday night and arrested four alleged associates carrying illegal firearms. However, Kumar fled the scene on a white Apache motorcycle, prompting a district-wide vehicle checking operation and blockade, which eventually led police to him near Revasi village.
Recoveries and Criminal Background
Police recovered three country-made pistols, two live cartridges, and the white Apache motorcycle allegedly used by the accused. The motorcycle was subsequently found to have been stolen from the Parsauni police station area on 29 June 2026.
According to police, Phekan Kumar carries an extensive criminal record with more than half a dozen cases — including robbery and dacoity — registered across multiple police stations. Notably, officials said he had been released from jail only approximately 15 days before the CSP robbery took place, raising questions about post-release monitoring of repeat offenders.
Five Arrested in Total
Apart from Phekan Kumar, police arrested four alleged associates: Laddu Kumar (22), Avinash Kumar (22) of Minapur Balho in Sheohar district, Avinash Kumar (18) of Chakmahila, and Kamlesh Kumar (19) of the same locality. Raids are continuing to apprehend other absconding suspects linked to the case, police said.
Point of View
CCTV analysis, district-wide blockade — was operationally sound, but the upstream failure in post-release surveillance is the accountability question that should follow this encounter.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Phekan Kumar and why was he arrested?
Phekan Kumar is the prime accused in a ₹1.5 lakh robbery from a Central Bank of India CSP operator in Anhari village, Sitamarhi, on 1 July 2026. He was arrested on 3 July after a police encounter near Revasi village in which he allegedly fired at officers and sustained a bullet injury to his leg.
What is a CSP and how was it robbed?
A Customer Service Point (CSP) is a banking correspondent outlet that provides basic financial services — deposits, withdrawals, and transfers — in rural and semi-urban areas on behalf of banks. According to police, Kumar and his associates allegedly robbed the Central Bank of India CSP operator in Anhari village of ₹1.5 lakh on 1 July 2026.
How did police track down Phekan Kumar?
Investigators used CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and human intelligence to identify and locate the accused. A tip-off led police to raid near Husaina Bridge, where four associates were arrested; Kumar fled on a white Apache motorcycle before being cornered near Revasi village after a district-wide blockade.
What was recovered from the accused and his associates?
Police recovered three country-made pistols, two live cartridges, and the white Apache motorcycle used in the escape. The motorcycle was subsequently found to have been stolen from the Parsauni police station area on 29 June 2026.
How many people have been arrested in connection with the case?
Five people have been arrested in total: prime accused Phekan Kumar and four associates — Laddu Kumar (22), Avinash Kumar (22) of Sheohar district, Avinash Kumar (18), and Kamlesh Kumar (19). Police say raids are continuing to nab remaining absconding suspects.
