Hazaribagh police target opium network, three suspects caught in major operation

Hazaribagh, Aug 29 (IANS) The Police in Hazaribagh district’s Chouparan area carried out a major operation against the alleged illegal trade in opium and armed criminal activities on Saturday.

During the operation near the Hathiya Baba Temple, one suspected criminal was injured in an exchange of fire, while two others were arrested.

Police said the operation followed a tip-off received by the Superintendent of Police that a group of armed persons was allegedly involved in the buying and selling of opium near the temple.

Acting on the information, Chouparan police launched a raid under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Pankaj Kumar.

According to the police, panic broke out among the suspects when the team reached the area.

While two individuals were apprehended, another suspect allegedly fled towards the forest.

Police claimed that the fleeing man opened fire at the police team. In retaliation and in self-defence, the police fired back, injuring the suspect in the abdomen.

The injured suspect was identified as Ajay Singh, a resident of Chapi village under Barachatti police station in Bihar’s Gaya district. He was initially taken to the Barhi Community Health Centre for treatment.

Considering the seriousness of his injuries, doctors referred him to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for further treatment.

Police said the operation also led to the recovery of two country-made pistols, live ammunition and spent cartridges from the spot.

A quantity of opium was also seized. However, officials have not yet disclosed the exact quantity of the narcotic substance recovered.

The identities of the two other arrested suspects have not been made public so far.

Chouparan police station In-charge Pankaj Kumar confirmed the operation and said further legal proceedings are underway.

Police are also investigating the suspected network and the possible involvement of other individuals in the illegal opium trade and related criminal activities.

–IANS

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