A history sheeter carrying a reward of Rs 25,000, was allegedly shot dead in an encounter with the Bihar Police Special Task Force and the Bhagalpur district police in Naugachia in the early hours of Saturday.
According to Bihar Additional Director General (ADG) Headquarters Kundan Krishnan, Gurudev Mandal alias Sanoj Mandal alias Fufa, who has at least 15 serious including robbery, dacoity, kidnapping, and violations of the Arms Act across Bhagalpur, Purnia, Katihar, and Madhepura districts, was killed during a police raid. The police, he said, were tipped off that Mandal and his associates were meeting near Murli Chowk in Rangra police station area to “execute a major crime”.
“During a joint raid conducted by the STF, district intelligence unit and Rangra police station on the night of May 23, an encounter broke out with the criminals in the area when Mandal and his associates suddenly opened fire on the police team. Police retaliated in self-defence in which Mandal was injured,” the officer said.
According to the police, during the exchange, Mandal sustained bullet wounds to his chest and leg, and was immediately rushed to the sub-divisional hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. “Police are currently looking for his associates who allegedly managed to escape under the cover of darkness,” the ADG said.
The body has now been sent for autopsy, authorities said, adding that police recovered country-made firearms, cartridges, and empty shells from the scene. The ADG said further investigation and legal formalities are being pursued.
A resident of Harinkol village in Purnia’s Dhamdaha, Mandal had previously been injured in a police operation in June 2022 too. At that time, acting on a tip-off about a planned robbery, police raided a hideout in Bhagalpur.
During the operation, Mandal allegedly opened fire at the police team, narrowly missing the then sub-divisional police officer. Mandal was shot in the leg in the exchange of fire and was subsequently hospitalised.
