Muzaffarnagar Police Encounter: Criminals Hunting for Crime End Up Being Hunted

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: In a dramatic turn of events late Thursday night, two notorious criminals on their way to commit a crime in the Nai Mandi area became the target of a police encounter. One of the miscreants was shot and injured, while the other was apprehended during a combing operation in nearby forested areas.

Encounter Details
The incident occurred near the T.S. Maan Pulia on Bhopa Road. A police team from Nai Mandi was conducting routine checks to curb recent thefts and apprehend suspects when they noticed two suspicious individuals on a motorcycle approaching the city. When the police signaled them to stop, the men attempted to flee.

Approximately 300 meters ahead, the fleeing suspects, realizing they were cornered, opened fire on the police team. Officers returned fire in self-defense, injuring one of the suspects in the leg. The injured criminal fell on the spot, while his accomplice escaped into the nearby jungle. A rapid combing operation led to the second suspect’s arrest within a short time.

Identification and Seizure
The injured and arrested suspects have been identified as Ravi, son of Subhash, and Dharmendra alias Monu, son of Shailendra, both residents of Jat Majheda and considered seasoned thieves. Police recovered ₹62,200 in cash, two illegal 315 bore pistols, ammunition, a suspicious motorcycle, and burglary tools including screwdrivers, knives, crowbars, locks, keys, and ropes from their possession.

Criminal Record and Past Thefts
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to carrying out multiple thefts in the city and nearby areas. Notably, on 12 December, they had stolen from a fertilizer factory on Jansath Road, and in November, they had broken the shutter of a government contract site in Bilaspur Kat to commit theft. Both criminals have several pending theft cases against them.

Police Action
CO Nai Mandi, Raju Kumar, confirmed that the injured suspect Ravi has been admitted to the district hospital for treatment. The arrested accomplice is being interrogated for information on other thefts and potential accomplices. Authorities are continuing their investigation to prevent further criminal activities in the area.