Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 20 — Police in Bahraich arrested two men following separate encounters in different police station jurisdictions, officials said on Tuesday, according to news agency IANS. Both sustained gunshot wounds in retaliatory firing by police and have been admitted to a hospital, and both have extensive criminal records, officials said.

The first encounter took place late on Monday near Khaira Bazar, under the Baundi police station. Police said Jabir, wanted in multiple cases, was there with his associate Naseem, allegedly planning a major crime. Acting on a tip-off, Baundi police and a Special Operations Group (SOG) team surrounded them. Police said the two men opened fire when cornered; in the retaliatory fire, Jabir (alias Zakir) was wounded and taken into custody, while Naseem fled in a car. Police then set up roadblocks and launched a search.

Police later received information that the suspects' vehicle was heading towards Nepal via Nanpara. Nanpara police pursued it and, near Bajariya Mor, set up a checkpoint and tried to stop the car. Police said Naseem opened fire on them; in the return fire he was struck in the leg, collapsed, and was rushed to hospital.

Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Srivastava told IANS a combing operation was underway in Bahraich and that the Baundi SHO and SOG team acted on information around 10 pm about a suspect who had escaped from Khairighat earlier the same day. He said there are 24 criminal cases registered against Naseem. Police recovered cash and gold and silver jewellery from the two men, and said the arrested individuals belong to a gang allegedly responsible for numerous thefts across various districts of the state. The police account of the encounters is as stated by officials; the allegations against the two men are yet to be tested in court.

Sources: IANS (via Asia Post), Nation Press, Daily Kiran.