Patna,(BiharTimes): Two criminals, including a close relative of Janata Dal (United) MLA, Shyam Bihari Singh, were killed in police encounter on Mokama Bypass under Mokama police station in Patna district on Friday night. However, three of the gang managed to escape. Incidentally the vehicle used by the criminals had a VIP number.

According to police the two dacoits, Raju Singh and Amar Kumar, belonged to Khagaria district. While Raju is a close relative of the JD(U) MLA, Amar was the son of a former mukhiya of Saidpur (Mansi) panchayat in Khagaria district. The bodies were sent to PMCH for autopsy. 

Police recovered two pistols, two revolvers, two rifles, 80 live cartridges, including ten live cartridges of AK-47, one magazine, khukris and a handcuff from the vehicle carrying the criminals.

Patna SSP Manu Maharaj told the media that the criminals were travelling in a black SUV when the night patrolling party of the Mokama police station tried to stop their vehicle. But, instead of stopping the vehicle, the driver slowed down the SUV and the criminals started firing at the policemen. They fired five to six rounds. The policemen returned the fire with nine rounds.

The SSP, however, added that the police is inquiring about the necessity of the shootout. A team of forensic science laboratory has collected samples of fingerprints, cartridges and other materials. The samples would be used in future to verify the identity of the other three criminals who managed to escape. 

Mokama SHO Ashok Kumar said the night patrolling on highways has been intensified in view of the wedding season. During such patrolling, policemen randomly check vehicles.

Reports said that the Mokama police had a tip-off that a gang, involved in looting and killing people travelling on highways during nights, was active in the area. The criminals used to masquerade as special task force officials and the recovery of a handcuff indicated to such modus operandi. In the last three months, around 10 to 12 incidents of loot on highways had taken place. 

Raju and Amar were wanted in several cases of dacoity and murder in Khagaria. The former was released from jail two months back and resumed his criminal activities.