Criminal killed in police encounter

Bhagalpur: A notorious inter-district criminal, Sanoj Kumar Mandal alias Gurudev Mandal alias Fufa, was shot dead in a police encounter late Friday night. He was a resident of Harkol village under Dhamdaha police station in Purnia district.The encounter occurred during a joint operation by the STF and Rangra police from Naugachia police district. Gurudev, who had a bounty of Rs 25,000 on his head, was involved in over two dozen cases in Purnia, Madhepura, Katihar and Naugachia. His criminal record includes charges of murder, robbery, extortion, violations of the Arms Act and other serious offences.The exchange of fire took place in a remote riverine area near Murli Chowk under Rangra police station. Arms, ammunition, and spent shells were recovered from the site. A forensic team from the FSL is at the location gathering evidence, accompanied by Naugachia SP Prerna Kumar, SDPO Om Prakash and other officials.SP Prerna Kumar said, "We had received classified information that Gurudev Mandal and members of his gang were gathering at a secluded spot near Murli Chowk under Rangra PS to carry out a crime."She said the STF and Rangra police raided the location based on this intelligence. "As the police closed in, the criminals, led by Gurudev Mandal, opened fire indiscriminately. The police retaliated, during which Gurudev sustained severe injuries while the others escaped under cover of darkness," she said.Gurudev was arrested in an injured state and taken to the Naugachia Sub-Divisional Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

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