Midnight encounter in UP: Two criminals arrested in Sonbhadra; three others escape

VARANASI: During an exchange of fire between the Special Operations Group (SOG), Robertsganj police, and a gang of thieves near Churk railway station in Sonbhadra district after midnight on Monday, two criminals sustained bullet injuries to their legs and were arrested, while three others managed to escape.
Providing details of the late-night operation, Circle Officer (City) of Sonbhadra, Randhir Kumar Mishra, said on Tuesday that Robertsganj police had received a tip-off about the presence of criminals near the northern end of Churk railway station, who were planning a theft. Acting on the information, Robertsganj police alerted the SOG and cordoned off the area.
Upon spotting the police, the criminals opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defence. As a result, two of the criminals were shot in the leg and injured, while three others escaped under the cover of darkness.
The injured criminals were identified as Veer Singh, from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, and Azad Singh, from Katni district, also in Madhya Pradesh. Both were taken to the district hospital for treatment. Police recovered two illegal country-made pistols and live cartridges from them.

The Superintendent of Police, Sonbhadra, announced a reward of ₹25,000 for the police team in recognition of their successful operation. The arrested criminals are reported to be involved in multiple theft cases.