Patna: A notorious liquor smuggler from Uttar Pradesh was arrested after being injured in a gunfight with police during an anti-smuggling operation in Bihar’s Gopalganj district in the wee hours of Tuesday.The exchange of fire took place near Banshi Batraha village under Sripur police station area after police received information about the arrival of a large consignment of illicit liquor in the district.The injured smuggler was identified as Kishan Yadav (23), a resident of Bharthari village in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh.He sustained a bullet injury on his face during the shootout and was taken into custody by the police. Two police personnel, sub-inspector Santosh Kumar and home guard Pramod Sah sustained minor injuries.According to officials, a police team, following a tip-off about liquor smugglers operating in the area, started checking vehicles on Bhora-Mirganj main road. As soon as the police tried to intercept the suspect’s SUV, the smuggler allegedly attempted to flee. When police tried to stop him, he reportedly opened fire on the team.Police retaliated in self-defence, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire from both sides. During the encounter, Kishan was hit by a bullet and he collapsed at the spot. He was taken to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital for treatment. Doctors provided first aid and referred him to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) after his condition was found to be critical.Following the encounter, police searched the vehicle and recovered a country-made pistol along with live cartridges from the spot. They also recovered 704-litres of IMFL and country-made liquor from the SUV.According to SHO Praveen Kumar, as soon as an attempt was made to stop the SUV and search it, the driver suddenly reversed the vehicle with a jerk. “Due to this, SI Santosh fell on the road. In the meantime, Kishan, who was also in the vehicle, opened fire on the police team. In retaliation, the police also fired and a bullet hit him,” he said.Police claimed Kishan is allegedly involved in several liquor smuggling cases and is believed to be part of a larger interstate smuggling network. Investigators are now trying to identify others involved in the racket.
