Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Nov 22: In a major crackdown following the formation of the new Bihar government, police arrested a notorious criminal after an exchange of fire in Begusarai district on Friday night. The encounter, carried out jointly by the Special Task Force (STF) and district police, left wanted accused Shivdutt Rai injured and under police custody.

The gunfight unfolded between Shaligram and Malhipur villages under Sahebpur Kamal police station. Rai, 27, a resident of Banahara in Teghra, sustained a bullet wound to his thigh and is currently receiving treatment while being interrogated.

According to sources, the STF received intelligence that Rai — who had been absconding — was planning to procure firearms in the Malhipur area. Acting quickly, STF personnel coordinated with local police and moved to intercept him. Upon their arrival, six criminals on two motorcycles opened fire, prompting police to retaliate. While his associates fled in the darkness, Rai was apprehended.

During questioning, Rai revealed details that helped police uncover a cache of weapons and cash from a nearby house. However, officials have not yet issued an official statement regarding the recovery.

Rai is the prime accused in a high-profile 2022 attack on the home of Dhankaul Panchayat Sarpanch Meena Devi. In that incident, her younger son Avnish Kumar was murdered and her elder son Rajneesh injured during a robbery attempt. A formal case was registered against Rai and his gang.

This operation marks the first major action by law enforcement since Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary assumed charge of the Home Department. Known for his tough posture on crime, Chaudhary has vowed that offenders will “either be in jail or in the crematorium.”

The swift police response in Begusarai appears aligned with the new Home Minister’s hardline approach, signalling intensified operations against criminal networks across the state.