Azamgarh Encounter: Two Criminals Shot in Legs, Loot Recovered
Kaptanganj police arrested two criminals after a late-night encounter in Azamgarh, recovering gold jewelry and weapons worth lakhs.
In a high-stakes late-night operation, the Kaptanganj police in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested two notorious criminals following a fierce encounter. The suspects, who were allegedly targeting locked houses for theft, were apprehended after an exchange of fire on the night of October 18-19, leading to the recovery of stolen valuables worth lakhs of rupees.
The Midnight Clash
The operation was part of an intensified anti-crime drive launched under the directives of Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Anil Kumar. While Kaptanganj police were conducting routine vehicle checks and patrolling, they received a critical intelligence tip. The report indicated that two individuals were using an auto-rickshaw to scout for locked houses to target along the Koyalsa-Devarpur road.
Acting on this lead, the police attempted to intercept the auto-rickshaw near the Ranipur intersection in Jaframau village. However, the suspects did not go quietly. According to police reports, the criminals opened fire with the intent to kill the officers. In self-defense, the police returned fire, resulting in gunshot wounds to the left legs of both suspects.
Suspects Identified
The two arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Dinesh (34): Also known as Lucky or Budhwa, a resident of Hirapatti in the Kotwali area.
- Deepak (29): Also known as Devdutt Gaur, a resident of Koirana.
The arrests were finalized at approximately 1:10 a.m. Following the encounter, the wounded suspects were first rushed to the Koyalsa Community Health Center and later transferred to the Azamgarh District Hospital for more comprehensive medical treatment.
Massive Haul of Stolen Goods
Upon searching the suspects and their vehicle, the police recovered a significant cache of illegal weapons and stolen luxury items. The recovered items include:
Weapons and Ammunition
- Two .315 bore illegal country-made pistols.
- Two live cartridges.
- Four spent casings.
Stolen Valuables
The police seized a vast collection of gold and silver jewelry estimated to be worth approximately six lakh rupees. The loot included:
- Gold rings, earrings, mangalsutras, chains, mang tikas, and nose rings.
- Silver anklets, toe rings, and finger rings.
Other Recovered Items
In addition to the jewelry, authorities recovered 7,500 rupees in cash, a mobile phone, an LCD television, a steel box, identification cards, a remote key, and a counterfeit 100-rupee note. The auto-rickshaw used by the duo for their crimes was also seized.
The Modus Operandi
During preliminary questioning, the suspects revealed a calculated method of operation. They used the auto-rickshaw to conduct reconnaissance, scouting for houses that appeared to be locked or unoccupied. Once a target was identified, they would break into the premises under the cover of night to commit thefts.
Police investigations have further revealed that both Dinesh and Deepak are seasoned offenders with multiple criminal cases registered against them not only in Azamgarh but across other districts as well.