Daijiworld Media Network - Hazaribagh

Hazaribagh, Aug 29: Police in Hazaribagh district's Chouparan area carried out an operation against alleged illegal opium trade and armed criminal activities on Saturday, leaving one suspected criminal injured in an exchange of fire and leading to the arrest of two others.

Police said the operation was launched after the Superintendent of Police received information that a group of armed persons was allegedly involved in buying and selling opium near the Hathiya Baba Temple.

Acting on the tip-off, Chouparan police conducted a raid under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Pankaj Kumar.

According to police, the suspects panicked when the team reached the area. While two individuals were apprehended, another allegedly fled towards a forested area and opened fire at the police team.

Police said they retaliated in self-defence, injuring the suspect in the abdomen.

The injured man was identified as Ajay Singh, a resident of Chapi village under Barachatti police station in Bihar's Gaya district. He was initially taken to the Barhi Community Health Centre and later referred to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi in view of the seriousness of his injuries.

Police said two country-made pistols, live ammunition and spent cartridges were recovered from the spot. A quantity of opium was also seized, although officials have not disclosed the exact quantity.

The identities of the two other arrested suspects have not been revealed so far.

Chouparan police station in-charge Pankaj Kumar confirmed the operation and said further legal proceedings are underway.

Police are also investigating the suspected network and the possible involvement of other individuals in the alleged illegal opium trade and related criminal activities.