Police Arrest Seven in Ballia After Exchange of Fire Over Electricity Theft
In a dramatic early morning operation in Ballia district, police arrested seven individuals accused of stealing electricity wires and transformers following an exchange of fire. The incident, which resulted in two suspects suffering bullet injuries to the leg, unfolded in Akbarpur village based on a tip-off about criminal activity.
Police Operation and Firefight
According to Ballia ASP (northern) Dinesh Kumar Shukla, police from Sahatwar and Bansdih stations cordoned off the area and launched a checking drive. They spotted two four-wheelers approaching from the Samarthpar side. When officers signaled the vehicles to stop, both began reversing, prompting a chase. Gang members accompanying on motorcycles then opened fire at the police.
In retaliatory action, two suspects, identified as Tinku Kumar Shah (37) and Shameem Ansari (36), were injured in the leg. Police recovered two pistols, cartridges, motorcycles, stolen electricity wire, wire-cutting pliers, and rubber gloves before rushing the injured to a hospital for treatment.
Arrests and Confessions
Based on information from those initially arrested, police rounded up and arrested five accomplices: Arvind Yadav, Mannu Kumar Sah, Rohan Kumar Pandey, Firoz Khan, and Abhishek alias Anshu Gaud. Tinku and Shameem admitted that their gang stole electricity wires and transformer equipment on the night of March 27 from Dudhaila village and again on March 30 from Akbarpur.
This coordinated police action highlights ongoing efforts to combat electricity theft in the region, a crime that disrupts power supply and causes significant financial losses. The recovery of tools and stolen materials underscores the organized nature of the thefts, with authorities now investigating further links and potential additional incidents.
