Cattle smuggler arrested in encounter with police in Ghazipur

VARANASI: In a joint action by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and Gahmar police, a notorious cattle smuggler was arrested after suffering bullet injuries in the leg during an exchange of fire with police in Ghazipur district on Wednesday late night.Ghazipur's CO Jamania, Anil Kumar, on Thursday said that the arrested cattle smuggler, Pir Mohammad of Nandganj, was rushed to the district hospital after police recovered a pistol, two spent cartridges, one cartridge, and one motorcycle from him. The cattle-laden pick-up van, which he escorted, managed to escape.Earlier, upon receiving inputs regarding the movement of cattle smugglers, the SWAT team was conducting night patrols near Navli when a speeding pick-up van, piloted by motorcycle-borne individuals, passed through the area.

They signalled the van driver to stop, but both the van driver and the motorcycle rider accelerated and headed towards Gahmar.When the SWAT team attempted to chase them, the motorcycle rider opened fire and turned the vehicle towards Bara. The SWAT in-charge alerted Gahmar police and continued the chase. Near Magarkhai turning, Gahmar police surrounded the motorcyclist, who opened fire again at the police team. When the police retaliated in self-defence, he suffered bullet injuries in his right leg and was later rushed to the hospital.

However, the pick-up van he piloted managed to escape, taking advantage of the darkness.