Azamgarh Police Strike Hard: Two Encounters in One Night, Four Criminals Apprehended

Azamgarh, UP: In a display of swift and decisive action, Azamgarh police successfully conducted two separate encounters in a single night, resulting in the arrest of four criminals, three of whom were injured during the operations. Illegal firearms, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash were recovered from the suspects.

First Encounter
The first encounter took place in the Kotwali area after police received a tip-off regarding two criminals from Bihar involved in recent snatching incidents in Azamgarh. Acting on the information, the Kotwali police team set up a blockade on the Ukrauda-Kakarhata route near Banshi Bazaar. The criminals opened fire on the police, who returned fire in self-defense. One suspect, identified as Vikas Kumar Shah, 28, son of the late Upendra Shah, of Nawakothi, Begusarai (Bihar), was injured. His accomplice, Indal, 26, son of Rajendra Das, of Ekaniya, Khagaria (Bihar), was safely apprehended.

Second Encounter
The second encounter occurred late at night near Mjhgawan Kat village, approximately 20 meters from Azamgarh on the highway. Acting on a tip-off, the Rani Ki Sarai police team confronted two criminals. Both suspects, Vicky Kumar, 33, son of Suraj Shah, Murkipur Kothi, Khagaria (Bihar), and Ritesh Sonkar, 42, son of Jhinak Sonkar, Rani Ki Sarai, Azamgarh, sustained gunshot injuries to their right legs. They were referred from the local PHC to the Azamgarh District Hospital for treatment.

Police Statement
Azamgarh Superintendent of Police, Dr. Anil Kumar, praised the rapid, courageous, and effective action taken by the police teams, resulting in the apprehension of all four criminals. The recovered items included illegal firearms, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash. The arrested criminals have multiple cases registered against them in districts including Ghazipur, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Raebareli, Agra, and Azamgarh for robbery, theft, snatching, and fraud.

This operation underscores the Azamgarh police’s commitment to maintaining law and order and acting decisively against criminal elements.