Encounter in Bihar: One Criminal Injured in Begusarai Shootout; Huge Cache of Weapons, Cash & Cough Syrup Seized

As the new government takes charge in Bihar, the police have intensified their crackdown on criminal networks. In a joint operation, the Special Task Force (STF) and district police engaged in a late-night encounter in Begusarai, leaving one notorious offender injured. The incident took place near Shaligram and Malhipur villages under Sahebpur Kamal police station limits.

Police–Criminal Gunfight Near Shaligram Village

According to officials, a team of STF personnel and local police confronted a group of armed criminals in Shaligram village. When the accused opened fire upon spotting the police, security forces retaliated in self-defence. One criminal was shot in the leg, while several others managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

Large Quantity of Illegal Arms, Cash & Cough Syrup Recovered

The injured criminal has been identified as Shiv Vrat Rai, a resident of Banhara village under Teghra police station. A subsequent search at the encounter site led to the seizure of:

• A significant number of illegal firearms
• Large stock of banned cough syrup bottles
• Substantial cash amounts

Police officials termed the operation a major breakthrough in curbing the activities of an active criminal gang in the region.

STF Was Tracking Wanted Criminal Shivdutt Rai

Sources revealed that the STF had received intelligence that wanted criminal and rewardee Shivdutt Rai had arrived in the Malhipur area to purchase weapons. Following the input, the STF team moved to the location and alerted the local police station.

Criminal Opened Fire; Police Responded in Self-Defence

When the teams reached the spot, six men on two motorcycles immediately opened fire at the police. In retaliation, officers fired back. A bullet struck Shivdutt Rai in the thigh, causing him to fall, while the remaining men escaped. Officials said the criminals fired 6–7 rounds, and the police responded with three rounds.

9 Pistols, Cash & Contraband Found From a House

During interrogation, the injured criminal led police to a house from where authorities recovered:

• Nine pistols
• Heavy cash
• A large quantity of cough syrup

This recovery is linked to multiple past crimes, including the September 2, 2022 shooting at the residence of Meena Devi, the Sarpanch of Dhankaul Panchayat. In that attack, her younger son Avneesh Kumar was killed and her elder son Rajnish Kumar was injured. Shivdutt Rai and his gang members were named in the FIR.

STF Had Been Pursuing the Gang for Months

Due to the gang’s absconding status, the STF had been actively pursuing them. The latest operation was triggered after actionable intelligence was received on Friday night.

Begusarai SP Manish confirmed:
“One criminal was injured in the encounter. A substantial quantity of weapons and other materials has been recovered.”