An encounter took place between the police and criminals early Sunday (August 30, 2026) along the Son River near Patna. The clash occurred during a law enforcement operation targeting individuals extorting local boatmen, the police said.

While one of the criminals sustained a gunshot injury in his leg during the gunfight, one Sub-Inspector (SI) Raju Kumar Singh was also injured after a bullet hit his arm. Amit Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bihita police station, sustained a head injury.

A total of 62 rounds were fired during the confrontation, according to Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikey Kumar Sharma.

“On August 30, police received information about illegal mining during which boatmen were intimidated and extorted for protection money. Following this, a special police team was formed under the direction of senior officials,” Mr. Sharma said, briefing the media.

“The police team signaled the suspected criminals to stop, who were heading by boat to collect extortion money. Seeing the police team, the criminals suddenly opened fire on the police force,” he added.

The injured criminal, identified as Aneesh Kumar, has been admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital for treatment, the SSP said. “In the firing, a bullet hit the hand of one police officer, and the station house officer was also injured. The police retaliated in self-defence, in which the criminal Aneesh Kumar was injured.”

He added that approximately 40 rounds were fired from the criminals’ side and about 22 rounds from the police side during the encounter. Other criminals jumped into the river and fled, while their associate Piyush Kumar was arrested from the boat.

Mr. Sharma pointed out that Aneesh Kumar has a criminal history. Last year, in a similar incident, an AK-47 was recovered, which belonged to him, the officer said, adding that six other cases are registered against him. The arrested person, Piyush Kumar, also has a criminal history.

In the police operation, a large quantity of illegal weapons and cartridges were recovered, which include 3 country-made pistols, 1 rifle, 1 country-made carbine and 25 live cartridges.

“Further investigation is being conducted by the police regarding their criminal histories and other aspects related to the incident. The police team promptly confronted the criminals and carried out an effective operation. Patna Police is continuing the relentless and effective action against crime, extortion, and illegal weapons,”Mr. Sharma said.