Kishanganj encounter: Robber shot, 2 cops injured in Bihar operation
Synopsis
A late-night police operation against an alleged motorcycle theft gang in Bihar's Kishanganj turned into a firefight — the gang's wanted leader was shot in the leg and apprehended, but not before two officers were wounded. With dozens of cases against the accused and accomplices still at large, the operation is far from over.
Key Takeaways
A late-night encounter took place near Faringola railway crossing in Kishanganj, Bihar on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 .
Suspected gang leader Pawan Kumar alias Chintu was shot in the leg and apprehended; he is wanted in dozens of cases across multiple Bihar districts.
Two police personnel — Nitish Kumar and Mushtaq — sustained gunshot injuries and are undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital .
District Magistrate Vishal Raj and SP Santosh Kumar visited the site; a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been deployed.
Raids are ongoing to nab remaining accomplices who allegedly fled during the encounter.
A suspected robber was shot in the leg and two police personnel sustained gunshot wounds during a late-night encounter in Bihar's Kishanganj district on Wednesday night, officials confirmed on Thursday, 21 May. The exchange of fire took place near the Faringola railway crossing in Chauhan Basti, under the jurisdiction of the Town Police Station.
How the Encounter Unfolded
Acting on intelligence inputs, a police team launched an operation after learning that members of an alleged motorcycle theft gang had gathered in the area to plan a major crime. The gang was reportedly led by Pawan Kumar alias Chintu, who is wanted in multiple criminal cases across several districts of Bihar.
According to officials, Pawan Kumar alias Chintu allegedly opened fire on the police team, triggering a retaliatory exchange of gunfire. In the counter-action, the accused sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was subsequently apprehended. He was later taken to hospital for treatment.
Police Personnel Injured
Two police personnel — Nitish Kumar and Mushtaq — sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire. Both officers were immediately shifted to Sadar Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Their condition has not been described as critical, according to available reports.
Who Is Pawan Kumar Alias Chintu
Kishanganj Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar stated that the accused carries a long criminal history and had been under police surveillance for several days after his photograph recently went viral in connection with criminal activities. Dozens of cases are reportedly registered against him across multiple districts, and he has previously served jail time. Police suspect he had arrived in Kishanganj with associates to execute a major criminal act.
Official Response and Forensic Probe
Following the incident, District Magistrate Vishal Raj and SP Santosh Kumar rushed to the encounter site with heavy police deployment and reviewed the situation in detail. The entire area around the crime scene has since been cordoned off. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been called in to collect scientific evidence from the site. Raids are underway to trace and apprehend the remaining accomplices who allegedly escaped during the encounter.
Point of View
The more pressing question is why inter-district coordination did not lead to his arrest sooner. The escape of his accomplices suggests the operation, while tactically successful, remains operationally incomplete.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Kishanganj encounter on 21 May 2025?
A police team conducting an operation against an alleged motorcycle theft gang exchanged fire with suspects near the Faringola railway crossing in Kishanganj, Bihar. Gang leader Pawan Kumar alias Chintu was shot in the leg and arrested, while two police personnel sustained gunshot injuries.
Who is Pawan Kumar alias Chintu?
Pawan Kumar alias Chintu is the alleged leader of a motorcycle theft gang wanted in dozens of criminal cases across multiple Bihar districts. He had previously served jail time and was under police surveillance after his photograph went viral in connection with criminal activities.
Which police officers were injured in the Kishanganj encounter?
Two police personnel, identified as Nitish Kumar and Mushtaq, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter. Both were shifted to Sadar Hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The crime scene has been cordoned off and a Forensic Science Laboratory team has been called in to collect evidence. Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices who allegedly escaped during the encounter.
Which senior officials responded to the Kishanganj encounter?
District Magistrate Vishal Raj and Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar rushed to the encounter site with heavy police deployment and reviewed the situation in detail.
