PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 16: A dramatic police operation unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday in Jamshedpur when an alleged snatcher was shot in the leg after reportedly snatching a policeman’s service pistol and opening fire while attempting to escape during a recovery operation.
The incident occurred behind Surya Mandir under the jurisdiction of Sidhgora Police Station, prompting senior police officials to rush to the scene.
Two Suspects Arrested in Chain-Snatching Case
According to police sources, the accused was one of two men arrested on Monday evening in connection with a chain-snatching incident involving a woman in the city.
Acting on intelligence inputs, police tracked the suspects, who were allegedly fleeing on a motorcycle.
During the chase near Surya Mandir, the motorcycle reportedly lost its balance and crashed.
Police said the duo then allegedly fired at the pursuing team and attempted to escape towards the JAP-6 campus.
Following a swift cordon-and-search operation, officers managed to apprehend both suspects.
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Accused Reveals Location of Stolen Jewellery
During interrogation, the two accused allegedly confessed to their involvement in several snatching incidents across Jamshedpur.
They also informed investigators that some stolen jewellery had been hidden in the forested area behind Surya Mandir.
Based on the information, a police team took the accused to the location at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday to recover the stolen items.
Accused Snatches Pistol, Opens Fire
Police said that during the recovery operation, one of the accused suddenly snatched a police officer’s pistol and attempted to flee.
The accused allegedly fired at the police team while trying to escape.
In response, officers retaliated in self-defence, and a bullet struck the accused in the leg, preventing his escape and enabling police to recapture him.
A sub-inspector sustained minor injuries during the confrontation, police said.
The injured accused was immediately shifted to MGM Hospital for treatment.
Senior police officers reached the spot after receiving information about the encounter and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police recovered the seized weapon, spent cartridges and other evidence from the scene.
Probe Underway Into Criminal Network
Investigators are now examining the criminal backgrounds of the two arrested men and trying to identify other members of the suspected snatching gang.
Police have also intensified security measures and increased patrolling in sensitive areas across Jamshedpur following the encounter.
Further investigation is underway.
