Three caught in encounter with police

Varanasi: Three men accused of loot were arrested in Ballia district Monday night following exchange of fire with police, in which two suffered bullet injuries on the leg.Ballia ASP (south) Kripa Shankar said on Tuesday that Bairiya police personnel were patrolling in the night when they received information about presence of three wanted criminals near Budhanchak. Acting promptly, police raided the area near Daya Chhapra-Nauranga road.On finding themselves surrounded by police, the criminals opened fire and in retaliatory action by police, Punit Kumar (23) of Chand Diyar and Chandan alias Mahi (24) of Rakba Tola Bairiya suffered bullet injuries in the leg. Their third accomplice, Raghav Pandey of Rakba Tola, was caught while trying to flee on a motorcycle.After recovering firearms, cartridges, mobile phones, looted gold chains and other jewellery, police rushed the injured to the hospital. During interrogation, they confessed involvement in recent incidents of dacoity and robbery.