Wanted murder accused injured in police encounter in Muzaffarpur, arrested

Patna, June 17 (IANS) A wanted criminal was arrested after being injured in a police encounter late Tuesday night in the jurisdiction of Musahari Police Station, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Amit Kumar, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during retaliatory police firing and is currently undergoing treatment at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur.

According to police, Amit Kumar is a named accused in the murder of land dealer Ankit Ranjan, alias Prabhat Mishra, who was shot dead while riding a motorcycle in the Musahari area a few days ago.

Investigators had identified Amit’s alleged involvement in the killing and had been searching for him since the incident. Police said teams from Bela and Musahari Police Stations were conducting a joint vehicle-checking operation when Amit arrived on a motorcycle.

When officers signaled him to stop, he allegedly attempted to flee. During the chase, he lost control of the motorcycle and fell. Police claim that after being cornered, the accused opened fire on the police team. Officers then fired in self-defense after issuing warnings.

One bullet struck Amit in the leg, following which he was overpowered and arrested. However, his accomplice managed to escape.

Police recovered a pistol, a spent cartridge, the motorcycle used by the accused, and additional evidence from the encounter site. A forensic team has been called to examine the recovered materials.

Senior Superintendent of Police Kantesh Kumar Mishra visited the encounter site early Wednesday and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the operation. He later visited Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) to question the injured accused.

During interrogation, the accused identified himself as Amit Kumar Singh from the Mahua area of Vaishali district.

According to SSP Kantesh Kumar Mishra, the accused was wanted in connection with a serious criminal case registered at Musahari police station in May and was also linked to criminal and extortion cases registered under Mahua Police Station during 2024.

A heavy police deployment has been made at the hospital to prevent any security breach. Meanwhile, raids are continuing to trace and arrest the absconding accomplice.

–IANS

ajk/skp