Police Gunfight in Siwan Results in Arrest of Two Wanted Jewelry Robbery Accused
In a dramatic late-night operation, police in Siwan district engaged in a gunfight with two wanted criminals, resulting in their arrest after they were shot in the leg. The incident occurred on the Siwan-Patna highway near Laheji village under the Basantpur police station area late Tuesday night.
Details of the Arrest and Shootout
The accused have been identified as Rohit Sharma, aged 25, and Rohit Kumar Kushwaha alias Rishu, aged 19. Both individuals are currently undergoing treatment in police custody following the shootout. According to Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha, police received intelligence that two armed criminals were traveling from Siwan to Patna. Acting on this tip, officers set up a vehicle checkpoint near Laheji village.
"During the checking process, the suspects noticed the police presence and halted their motorcycle at a distance. When instructed to approach, they abruptly turned their bike and attempted to flee," SP Jha explained. "A pursuit ensued, and as the chase intensified, the criminals opened fire, discharging three to four rounds at the police."
The SP added, "They then abandoned their motorcycle and fled into nearby agricultural fields. Police retaliated with controlled fire, shooting both suspects in the leg, which led to their apprehension."
Background of the Criminal Activities
The arrested duo were wanted in connection with several high-value jewelry shop robberies in the Siwan area. Their most recent alleged crime occurred on March 9, when six masked individuals looted jewelry worth approximately Rs 25 lakh from a shop in Basantpur market under the Basantpur police station jurisdiction.
In another incident on December 2, four motorcycle-borne masked miscreants robbed jewelry valued at around Rs 18 lakh from a shop in Khodi Pakar market, which falls under the same police station limits. Police investigations have confirmed that Rohit Sharma was involved in both these robberies, among others, and he carried a reward of Rs 40,000 for his capture. Rishu was also implicated in the Basantpur market jewelry shop loot case.
Recovery of Evidence and Treatment
Following the arrest, police conducted a search and recovered significant evidence from the possession of the accused. The seized items include:
- Two country-made pistols
- Six live cartridges
- Three empty shells
- A motorcycle used in the attempted escape
- Two magazines
- Twenty pouches of smack (an illicit drug)
The injured accused were initially taken to Siwan Sadar Hospital for immediate medical attention. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were subsequently referred to a medical facility in Patna for further specialized treatment under police supervision.
Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation
SP Puran Kumar Jha emphasized the successful operation, stating that the arrest of these two individuals is a significant breakthrough in solving multiple jewelry robbery cases that have plagued the Siwan region. The police are continuing their investigation to determine if the accused were involved in additional criminal activities and to identify any accomplices who may still be at large.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Bihar to combat organized crime and ensure public safety in commercial areas vulnerable to such heists.
