In a late-night operation on Wednesday, Patna Police apprehended notorious criminal Rakesh Kumar following an encounter in Baggha Tola under the Janipur police station area. Kumar sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during retaliatory fire and has been admitted to Patna AIIMS for treatment.
The Operation
Acting on a secret tip-off that Rakesh Kumar—a resident of Sahbajpur village in the Pipra police station area—had arrived in Baggha Tola with an accomplice to plan a major crime, a police team led by the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) surrounded the location.
The Encounter: Finding himself cornered, Kumar opened fire on the police. In the ensuing exchange, police fired back in self-defense, injuring Kumar in the leg.
Escape: Under the cover of darkness, Kumar’s accomplice managed to flee the scene. Police are conducting continuous raids to locate him.
Recoveries: A country-made pistol and cartridges were recovered from the spot.
Investigation And Forensic Analysis
SSP Kartikey K Sharma visited the scene on Thursday morning to review the sequence of events. A team from the State Forensic Laboratory (SFL) was deployed to examine the site and collect evidence, including the weapons found.
Criminal Background
Rakesh Kumar is a known offender with a significant criminal record:
Charges: He has multiple cases registered against him, including robbery, dacoity, and violations of the Arms Act.
Recent Activity: He recently made headlines for allegedly demanding extortion money from a bank employee.
Network: His criminal network reportedly extends across Pipra, Bikramganj, and surrounding areas. Police had been tracking his movements for several days prior to the arrest.
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Context: Police Crackdown In 2025
This incident marks another chapter in the Bihar Police's toughened stance against crime in 2025. Over the last six months, Patna district has witnessed more than half a dozen encounters where criminals were shot in the legs while attempting to flee.
Major Encounters in 2025:
February
Two criminals were injured and arrested during a joint operation by the Police and STF in Kankarbagh, Patna.
July
- Patna: Balwant Kumar Singh and Ravi Ranjan Kumar Singh, accused in the Chandan Mishra murder case, were injured and arrested.
- Patna: Vikas alias Raja, an accused in the Gopal Khemka murder case, was killed in a police encounter.
- Samastipur: Sumit Kumar alias Guddu, a criminal out on bail, was shot and killed.
The Janipur incident reinforces the message that Patna Police are maintaining a zero-tolerance approach toward criminal activities.