Uttar Pradesh Police carried out a major enforcement operation in Bahraich district, resulting in the arrest of a wanted chain snatcher following a late-night exchange of fire. The accused, who carried a cash reward on his head, was cornered within the Matera police station jurisdiction by a joint team comprising Nanpara police and the crime branch SWAT unit. During the operation, the suspect sustained a gunshot injury to his leg and was subsequently taken into custody along with weapons and stolen property.
Investigation Triggered by Highway Snatching Incident
The sequence of events began on September 1 when a woman named Gangotri was returning from her uncle's residence located in Suwagara, Lakhimpur. As she approached the Gulalpurwa toll plaza, two individuals riding a motorcycle suddenly intercepted her and snatched her mangalsutra before fleeing the scene. Following the incident, a formal case was registered at the Matera police station. In response to the brazen crime, Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Srivastava formed three specialized teams to crack the case and apprehend the culprits.
Surveillance Footprints and First Arrest
Investigators scanned numerous closed-circuit television recordings around the crime scene to trace the movement of the suspects. Technical analysis and physical intelligence helped authorities identify two primary suspects involved in the robbery. During the intervening night of September 2 and 3, a combined team of the SWAT unit and Matera police cornered and arrested one of the suspects named Phulli, also known as Toofan or Raqeeb, sending him to judicial custody. However, his accomplice managed to escape during the operation, prompting the Superintendent of Police to announce a monetary reward for information leading to his capture.
Nahar Culvert Encounter and Hospitalization
Acting on specific intelligence received during the night of September 3 and 4, law enforcement personnel learned that the absconding suspect Aslam was heading toward Rupaidiha Road on a stolen motorcycle via the Nibia canal culvert. Authorities immediately set up checkpoints in the area to intercept him. When police personnel attempted to stop the approaching motorcycle, the rider opened fire on the team. In self-defense, officers returned fire, injuring the suspect in his left leg and causing him to fall.
Police swiftly secured the wounded individual and transferred him to the Community Health Center in Nanpara for medical treatment. Following the shootout, Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Srivastava visited the site to inspect the location and review the operational details. Authorities are currently proceeding with further legal actions against the accused. Law enforcement officials recovered a firearm, live cartridges, two mobile phones, and the stolen motorcycle from his possession.
