Gonda: In a major breakthrough against property crimes, a joint team of Karnalganj Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested three alleged interstate thieves during a late-night vehicle checking operation. One of the accused sustained a leg injury in a police encounter after reportedly opening fire on the police team.
The operation was carried out under the direction of Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal, with supervision from Additional Superintendent of Police (West) Radheshyam Rai and leadership of Assistant Superintendent of Police/Circle Officer Karnalganj Abhishek Davayach.
According to police, the team was conducting intensive checks near Sonhara Mod on the night of June 13 when three men riding a motorcycle without a registration plate were signaled to stop. Instead of complying, the suspects allegedly attempted to flee. During the pursuit, they reportedly fired at the police team. In the retaliatory action undertaken in self-defense, one suspect, identified as Ramchandra Gupta, suffered a bullet injury to his leg. His associates, Chand Babu and Naeem, were apprehended after a brief chase.
The injured accused was initially taken to the Community Health Centre in Karnalganj and later referred to the District Hospital in Gonda for further treatment.
Police recovered approximately 1.1 kilograms of silver ornaments, 11 grams of gold jewellery, ₹93,000 in cash, a Super Splendor motorcycle, an illegal .315 bore firearm with one live cartridge and one spent cartridge, and a mobile phone from the accused.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to targeting deserted houses and shops after conducting reconnaissance. They reportedly broke locks or entered premises during the night to steal jewellery, cash, and other valuables, later selling part of the stolen property and sharing the proceeds among themselves.
Investigators said the arrests have helped solve at least six theft cases registered at Karnalganj Police Station, with the recovered jewellery and cash believed to be linked to those incidents. Police are also pursuing leads regarding other associates and individuals involved in the disposal of stolen property.
The arrested accused have been identified as:
- Ramchandra Gupta, resident of Parsonipurwa, Katra Bazar, Gonda (injured in the encounter)
- Chand Babu, resident of Kashiram Purwa, Bhaisa, Kaudia, Gonda
- Naeem, resident of Chauri village, Karnalganj, Gonda
Several theft cases registered in Karnalganj have been linked to the gang, while a fresh case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act has also been registered against the accused.
Police officials described the operation as a significant success in curbing organized theft and reaffirmed their commitment to taking stringent action against habitual offenders and criminal networks operating in the district.
