In a significant crackdown, Dholpur police on Wednesday apprehended five most-wanted criminals following an armed confrontation in the challenging ravine terrain. The operation led to the arrest of two criminals carrying rewards of Rs 50,000 each on their heads.
Intense Gunfight in the Ravines
Acting on precise intelligence, a joint team comprising the District Special Team (DST), Nihalgunj police station, and the cyber cell launched an operation in the early hours. The tip-off suggested the gang was hiding in the difficult ravine landscape and plotting a major crime in the district.
As the police teams cordoned off the area and moved in, the criminals opened indiscriminate fire in a desperate bid to escape. The police retaliated, leading to a fierce exchange. Approximately 35 rounds were fired from both sides during the encounter.
Key Arrests and Seizure of Arms
Despite facing heavy fire and navigating tough terrain, the police teams overpowered and arrested all five accused. One of the prime accused, Ajit Thakur, sustained a bullet injury in his leg during the crossfire. He was subsequently admitted to the district hospital for treatment.
The police identified the arrested individuals as Ajit Thakur and Kalyan Thakur – both listed among the district's top 10 most wanted criminals – along with their associates Dheeraj, Shiva, and Vishnu.
A major haul of illegal weapons and ammunition was recovered from their possession. The seizure included:
- Two rifles
- Three country-made pistols
- 75 live cartridges
- 15 empty cartridges
Officers stated that this arsenal indicated the gang's preparedness to execute violent crimes.
Notorious Criminal Records and Ongoing Probe
According to police records, the gang members have extensive criminal histories. Ajit Thakur is implicated in 35 criminal cases, while Kalyan Thakur is named in 33 cases. Their charges include serious offences like attempted murder, firing incidents, dacoity, extortion, and organised crime.
Their associate, Dheeraj, was wanted in at least eight criminal cases and carried a reward of Rs 10,000. The gang had reportedly spread terror in the border areas of Uttar Pradesh and Dholpur for several years.
Superintendent of Police Vikas Sangwan confirmed the arrests. Police stated that further investigation is underway to unravel the gang's wider network, recover more weapons, and establish their involvement in other serious crimes in the region.
