Lucknow: In a late-night joint operation by the Crime Team (East) and Gomtinagar Police, two bike-borne miscreants were injured and arrested following a fierce gunfight near Sahara Pul. The accused, identified as repeat offenders involved in multiple snatching and theft cases, opened fire on the police when they were intercepted during a routine vehicle check.
According to police sources, the encounter began when officers attempted to stop a motorcycle without a number plate. Instead of complying, the two riders tried to flee and opened fire on the pursuing police personnel. In retaliatory action, both assailants sustained gunshot injuries to their legs and were subsequently apprehended.
The arrested individuals were identified as:
-
Mahesh Rawat, 20, resident of a slum near LPS School, Chinhat, originally from Dubaha, Ikona, Shravasti.
-
Monu Rajput, 23, resident of Vijayant Khand, behind Chandan Hospital, Vibhutikhand, originally from Lodhanpurwa, Huzoorpur, Bahraich.
Police recovered the following from the accused:
-
Two country-made .315 bore pistols along with used cartridges.
-
Two ladies’ purses and ₹10,700 in cash, believed to be proceeds of recent snatchings.
-
A Splendor Plus motorcycle with no license plate, used in the commission of the crimes.
Based on the recovery and arrests, FIR Nos. 184/2025 and 185/2025 under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3/25/27 of the Arms Act have been registered at Gomtinagar police station. Additionally, ₹3,500 and ₹2,000 of the recovered cash are linked to earlier cases registered at Barabanki’s Kotwali police station.
Upon interrogation, the accused confessed to being involved in two recent snatching incidents targeting women in the Gomtinagar area on April 28 and April 30. These cases were earlier registered under FIR Nos. 177/2025 and 181/2025 under Sections 304(2)/317(2) BNS.
Criminal Background
Mahesh Rawat has a lengthy criminal record with over a dozen cases registered against him, including theft, robbery, and possession of illegal arms. Cases are registered across multiple police stations in Lucknow, including Gomtinagar, Chinhat, and Vibhutikhand.
Monu Rajput is also a known offender with cases of snatching and arms possession in Gomtinagar and Barabanki.
Both are currently under police custody and undergoing medical treatment for their injuries. Further investigation is underway to determine their involvement in additional criminal activities across the district.
Authorities have hailed the operation as a significant success in cracking down on street crimes and bike-borne criminals who have been terrorizing residents in recent weeks.
