PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 4: In a major development in the Kairav Gandhi kidnapping case, three notorious criminals injured in a recent police encounter have been sent to judicial custody after being discharged from the hospital.
The accused — Guddu Singh of Madharven village under Islampur police station in Nalanda district, Mohd Imran Alam alias Aamir of Silhari, and Ramij Raja — were produced before a court on Tuesday, which ordered their remand to jail.
Injured in Police Encounter
Police said the trio had been undergoing treatment at MGM Hospital for five days after sustaining gunshot injuries to their legs during a late-night encounter on January 29.
ALSO READ: Palamu police seize over 8 kg cannabis, four arrested
The incident took place in the early hours near bushes along a drain close to the Sai Temple in the Bistupur police station area, when police took the accused to recover firearms used in the kidnapping.
Accused Snatched Carbine, Opened Fire
According to officials, during the recovery operation, Mohd Imran Alam allegedly overpowered a constable, snatched his carbine, and opened fire at the police team in an attempt to escape.
No police personnel were injured in the firing. Police retaliated, firing several rounds that neutralised all three accused, who were then taken into custody and rushed to the hospital.
Investigators said that on January 28, police had arrested six members of the gang during coordinated raids in Gaya and Nawada districts of Bihar.
During interrogation, the arrested suspects revealed that the firearms used in the crime had been hidden near the Sai Temple area, leading to the recovery operation.
Organised Kidnapping Racket
Police believe the gang was part of an organised kidnapping racket, systematically targeting victims to extort ransom.
Efforts are underway to identify and arrest local facilitators who allegedly provided information about the victim’s movements. Raids are continuing at several locations in Bihar, and officials said more arrests are likely.
With the case unfolding, police have stepped up action against organised crime networks operating in Jamshedpur, indicating a sustained crackdown in the coming days.
