Dhanbad Police Encounter: Prince Khan Associate Injured, Sub-Inspector Hurt During Extortion Bust

Dhanbad: An associate of gangster Prince Khan was injured in a police encounter in Dhanbad on Sunday evening, while a sub-inspector also sustained injuries during the operation. The injured criminal was identified as Sudesh Ojha (36).According to police, the encounter took place in the Dhanghi Pahari area under Saraidhela police station after police received a tip-off about the presence of criminals in the locality. The information suggested that two criminals reached the area to allegedly extort a contractor.Acting on the intelligence, a police team rushed to the spot to intercept the suspects. As the police approached, the criminals allegedly opened fire and hurled bombs at the police team, triggering a fierce exchange. During the encounter, sub-inspector Balmukund Singh (42), posted at Saraidhela police station, sustained injuries. He was immediately shifted to Asharfi Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.In retaliatory firing by the police, Ojha was shot at and seriously injured, while his accomplice managed to escape. Dhanbad SSP Prabhat Kumar confirmed that the criminals came to the area to extort when the police intercepted them. Following the encounter, the entire area was cordoned off, and an intensive search operation is underway to nab the absconding criminal. Police sources also suspect the presence of explosive materials at the site, prompting alertness from the bomb disposal squad.Senior police officials, including SSP Prabhat Kumar, City SP Ritwik Srivastava, and Rural SP Kapil Chaudhary, reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident.