Member of bike theft gang shot in leg in Kishanganj

Patna: A member of a bike theft gang was shot in the leg during an exchange of fire with police near Farim Goda under Town police station area in Kishanganj district on Wednesday night. The accused allegedly opened fire on the police team that had gone to arrest him.Kishanganj SP Santosh Kumar said the injured accused, Pawan Kumar alias Chintu, has been arrested and admitted to hospital under police custody. Two police personnel were also injured in the encounter. “More than 10 criminal cases are registered against Pawan, a resident of Katihar. Inspector Mustaq and sub-inspector Nitish Kumar sustained bullet injuries while confronting the accused. Both have been admitted to Kishanganj sadar hospital,” he said.According to the SP, police had received inputs that hardened criminals had entered the district to execute a major crime. Vehicle checks were intensified and the Farim Goda area was cordoned off. “When asked to stop, Pawan opened fire instead of surrendering. Police retaliated in self-defence, injuring him in the leg before arresting him,” he said. The SP further said that Pawan is a habitual offender, with two cases registered in Kishanganj alone. “Efforts are underway to arrest other absconding gang members. An FSL team has collected evidence from the spot,” he added.Pawan also faces cases of murder, loot and dacoity in several other districts. His photograph had recently gone viral on social media, following which police had begun tracking him. Officials suspect he had come alone for reconnaissance, with other gang members expected to join him.Kishanganj DM Vishal Raj visited the spot and reviewed the situation.