PATNA: Chunmun Jha, a notorious criminal wanted for day-light robberies at jewellery shops in Purnea and Ara (Bhojpur), was killed in an encounter with the special task force (STF) and the district police in Bihar’s Araria district early on Saturday.
Five police personnel were injured in the exchange of fire and have been admitted to Sadar Hospital for treatment. Their condition is reported to be out of danger.
Police said that a joint team of the STF and the district police descended at Thalha village under Narpatganj police station limits following a tip off that Chunmun was hiding there.
Upon seeing the police, Chunmun opened fire, attempting to escape, however, he received bullet injuries as the the police returned fire. He was rushed to a nearby primary health centre from where he was referred to Araria Sadar Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Police sources reported that Chunmun’s associate took advantage of the topography in the area and escaped from the site. Two of the five injured policemen are from the STF.
Anjani Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Araria said that Chunmun Jha was involved in a series of robberies in jewellery shops and banks. Also he was involved in the murderous attack on the PACS chairman Santosh Mandal
The cops injured in the incident have been identified as Mohammad Mustaq, Kumar (inspector), Vikas (SHO of Narpatganj PS), Nagesh (driver), Shahabuddin and Deepak Kumar, both constables.
Police said Chunmun had been evading arrest in connection with a robbery at a jewellery showroom in Ara, Bhojpur district, in which criminals escaped with jewellery worth over Rs 25 crore.
Ram Pukar Singh, Additional SP of Purnea said that cases of murder, kidnapping and extortion were pending against him in Purnea and its adjoining districts.