Motihari Encounter Claims Lives of Two Criminals and STF Jawan
In a dramatic late-night operation, two notorious criminals and a Special Task Force (STF) jawan were killed during an intense encounter in Ramdiha village, located under the Chakiya police station area in East Champaran district. The incident unfolded around 2:30 AM on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in police efforts to combat crime in the region.
Police Operation Based on Tip-Off
According to police reports, the encounter was initiated after authorities received a credible tip-off indicating that infamous criminals Kundan Kumar and Priyanshu Dubey were hiding in a village house along with their associates. These individuals were allegedly planning to commit a serious crime, prompting immediate action from law enforcement.
Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat swiftly assembled a Special Task Force, which included local police personnel. The team cordoned off the entire village and specifically targeted the house where the criminals were believed to be holed up.
Exchange of Fire and Casualties
As the police launched their operation, the criminals responded with indiscriminate gunfire, leading to a fierce exchange that lasted approximately half an hour. During this confrontation, STF jawan Sriram Kumar Yadav sustained severe gunshot injuries. Despite being rushed to Chakiya hospital, he was declared dead by doctors, adding a tragic dimension to the incident.
In the retaliatory fire from the police, both Kundan Kumar and Priyanshu Dubey were killed. Two other criminals were apprehended at the scene and are currently undergoing interrogation by senior police officers to gather further intelligence.
Background and Threats
Munna Kumar, the Station House Officer of Chakiya police station, revealed that the police had received a threatening call from Kundan Kumar just a day before the encounter. The call, allegedly made using a Nepali SIM card, included a direct challenge to law enforcement. "He said you policemen are torturing with gunshot injuries to criminals so we challenge you that 10 to 15 policemen would be killed by us to take revenge," the SHO stated. This threat prompted immediate tracing of the phone's location, leading to the planned operation.
Weapons Recovered and Investigation
Following the encounter, Deputy Inspector General of the Champaran range, Har Kishor Rai, and SP Swarn Prabhat arrived at the site to oversee the investigation. Police recovered a significant cache of weapons from the spot, including one carbine, two pistols, three country-made pistols, and a large quantity of live ammunition. Both officers have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident to uncover all aspects of the criminals' activities and any potential links to broader networks.
Escaped Suspects and Security Measures
Authorities suspect that four other individuals managed to escape during the chaotic encounter. A comprehensive search operation is currently underway to locate and arrest these suspects. In response to the incident, security has been significantly tightened along the India-Nepal border to prevent any cross-border movements by criminal elements.
Tributes and Support for Fallen Jawan
The death of STF jawan Sriram Kumar Yadav has sent waves of mourning throughout the district and among police personnel. Yadav, who married in 2018, is survived by his wife and four children. The district administration and police colleagues paid heartfelt tributes to him, honoring his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
SP Swarn Prabhat assured that Yadav's family would receive every possible assistance, including financial support. District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal also met with the family members to offer condolences and confirm ongoing support from the authorities.
Ongoing Law and Order Efforts
A large contingent of police personnel has been deployed in Ramdiha village to maintain law and order in the aftermath of the encounter. The police are continuing their investigations, focusing on the criminal records of Kundan Kumar and Priyanshu Dubey, who were accused in multiple cases of loot, murder, and violations under the Arms Act across various police stations in the district.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime and highlights the bravery of personnel who risk their lives to uphold public safety.
