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Dehradun, Jun 8 (PTI) Two wanted criminals from Bihar were arrested following an encounter in the Natraj Chowk area of Rishikesh, officials said on Monday.
The accused, who were wanted for a recent shooting in Rishikesh and a fatal robbery in Bihar, sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire and are currently undergoing treatment, they said.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Dobhal said the encounter took place during a vehicle checking drive conducted to ensure security and crime control for the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
A team spotted two suspicious men with their faces covered riding a black motorcycle without a registration plate from the Dhalwala side. When
signalled to stop, the motorcyclists accelerated, rammed through a police barrier, and fled towards the Haridwar Bypass.
The police team chased the suspects while alerting nearby police stations. The duo tried to escape into a forest area near the railway line close to Khand Gaon, where their motorcycle skidded and fell.
The suspects then opened fire on the police team with an intent to kill, striking the side mirror of the police vehicle. The team then retaliated, injuring both suspects.
The police recovered a factory-made pistol, a country-made pistol, live ammunition, empty cartridges, and Rs 1,500 cash from the accused. The motorcycle has also been seized.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Aamir (22), a resident of Muzaffarpur, and Anwarul Haq (24), alias Anwar, a native of Sitamarhi currently residing in Delhi.
Initial investigations revealed that both suspects were wanted in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in Rishikesh on June 4.
The duo and their associate named Waseem had opened fire on locals in the Bhuttowala area following a dispute over drinking alcohol on the pavement, leaving two residents injured.
While Waseem was arrested by the police soon after, Aamir and Anwarul had been hiding in nearby forests and were attempting to flee Rishikesh on Sunday night when they were intercepted.
Anwarul was also wanted for a robbery and murder case in Bihar’s Sitamarhi. The suspect, along with Waseem and another accomplice, had shot and killed a man during a robbery, escaping with around Rs 3.5 lakh. They had fled to Rishikesh to evade the Bihar Police and to distribute the looted money.
Following Sunday night’s encounter, the Rishikesh Police has registered a fresh case against the duo under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act for the attack on the police personnel. PTI AKY AKY APL APL
