Notorious criminal shot dead in Vaishali encounter

Patna: A notorious criminal, Prince Kumar alias Abhijeet (30), was shot dead in a joint operation by Bihar Police and the STF in Vaishali district on Friday.The encounter took place after Prince allegedly opened fire on the police team, which retaliated in self-defence, resulting in his death.

One of his associates was also arrested during the operation.Prince was a wanted criminal with a reward of Rs 2 lakh on his head and was involved in several serious criminal cases, including the murder of a police personnel. The STF had been tracking him since his escape from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) last year.According to police, Prince was hiding in a house in the Hanuman Nagar area when they received a tip-off about his whereabouts.

When the police team reached the location, Prince opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. He sustained critical injuries in the encounter and was rushed to Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.STF director general Kundan Krishnan said, “A total of 31 cases were registered against Prince at various police stations across the state, including murder, loot, dacoity and other serious crimes.

He was a resident of Hussaina Khurd village under the Goraul police station area of Vaishali district.”Prince had escaped from Patna police custody on Sept 4, 2025.In 2018, Prince was produced before a court in Vaishali in connection with the Patepur case. During the proceedings, three unknown miscreants opened fire at constable Ram Ekbal Ravidas in an attempt to free Prince. At the same time, Prince reportedly scuffled with a havildar, following which the havildar was shot.

The injured constable was taken to Sadar Hospital, Hajipur, where he later died.After fleeing during a court appearance in Vaishali, Prince allegedly looted gold in Punjab. Following sustained efforts, Patna police arrested him from Punjab, after which he was lodged in Beur jail in Patna.On Sept 2, he was taken to PMCH for a medical examination, where doctors declared him fit. On Sept 4, he was taken from PMCH to Marine Drive by police personnel.

He allegedly took the policemen for a stroll and later went to a doctor’s residence near the Saidpur canal. There, the police personnel were reportedly served a chicken and mutton meal, after which Prince locked policemen Subodh Paswan and Ranjan Kumar inside a room.He then escaped along with notorious criminal Sonu Patel of Kadamkuan, reportedly still wearing handcuffs. Following the incident, on the orders of the then Patna senior superintendent of police, a case was registered at Pirbahore police station against two havildars and six constables, all of whom were suspended.“This is a major success against organised crime, but the hunt for the remaining gang members continues,” said Vaishali SP Vikram Sihag.