Dawn drama in Jamshedpur as snatcher opens fire on police

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, June 16: A routine recovery operation took a dramatic turn in the early hours of Tuesday when an alleged chain-snatcher, already in police custody, reportedly seized a service pistol from a police officer and attempted to flee through a forested stretch in Sidhgora, triggering an armed confrontation that ended with the accused sustaining a bullet injury to his leg.

The incident occurred in the jungle behind Surya Mandir, where a police team had escorted two arrested suspects to recover stolen jewellery believed to be linked to a recent chain-snatching case and several other offences under investigation.
According to police sources, the accused were arrested following a swift pursuit on Monday evening after a woman was targeted in a chain-snatching incident. Investigators traced the suspects as they attempted to escape on a motorcycle. Their vehicle reportedly skidded near Surya Mandir, after which the duo allegedly opened fire while trying to evade arrest. Both were eventually apprehended after a coordinated police operation.
During subsequent interrogation, the suspects allegedly revealed the location where stolen ornaments had been concealed. Acting on the information, police escorted them to the site shortly after 3 a.m. for recovery of the valuables.

Officials said that while the search operation was underway, one of the accused suddenly grabbed a policeman’s weapon and fired in an apparent bid to escape.
Faced with an immediate threat, the police responded with controlled fire, injuring the accused in the leg and preventing his escape.
The injured suspect was taken into custody and shifted to MGM Hospital for treatment. A sub-inspector suffered minor injuries during the operation.
Senior officers later inspected the spot, where investigators recovered the weapon, spent cartridges and other evidence. Police have launched a wider probe to ascertain the criminal background of the accused and identify other members of the suspected snatching network.
The incident has prompted heightened vigil across several sensitive pockets of the city, with additional patrols deployed as investigators continue to unravel the gang’s activities.