Police Capture Notorious Robber and Cattle Smuggler in Separate Shootouts in Uttar Pradesh

Ghaziabad, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : In a series of events unfolding in Uttar Pradesh, police have apprehended a notorious robber and a cattle smuggler following separate shootouts in Ghaziabad and Ballia. Both suspects sustained injuries from police gunfire and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

A joint team from the Ghaziabad Crime Branch and Bhojpur police arrested the robber during a late-night operation. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Siddharth Gautam, the team was conducting an intensive vehicle check based on a tip-off in the Kilhauda border area. A motorcycle rider, approaching at high speed from Hapur, attempted to evade police when signaled to stop, ultimately losing control and falling.

As police closed in, the suspect fired at them, prompting a return shot that struck him in the leg. The robber has been identified as Raj, also known as Rajendra Pandey, a 22-year-old resident of Delhi. During questioning, he confessed to a robbery that took place on July 28 in the Bhojpur area. A reward of ₹10,000 had been placed on his capture.

Police recovered a stolen mobile phone, a .315 bore pistol, cartridges, and a motorcycle from Raj. He has multiple criminal cases against him and is currently undergoing treatment while police continue their investigation.

In a separate incident in Ballia, law enforcement apprehended a cattle smuggler following a shootout. The smuggler was injured in his left leg during the exchange of gunfire. Circle Officer Satish Kumar reported that the suspect was wanted in connection with a case of cattle slaughter. When confronted near the Shahpur Nat Basti canal bridge, he opened fire on the police, which led to the officers returning fire in self-defense.

The injured smuggler was transported to CHC Ratsad for initial treatment. Investigations revealed that he, along with accomplices, was involved in transporting stray cattle for slaughter to Bihar. A pistol and cartridges were also seized from him.

Police are continuing their legal proceedings and gathering further information about the suspects’ criminal backgrounds.