In Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh, a police encounter led to the arrest of three suspected inter-state thieves, the recovery of weapons and stolen cash, and confessions of involvement in multiple theft cases.
Three suspected members of an inter-state gang involved in theft were arrested following an encounter with police here on Friday, officials said.
Superintendent of Police Vinay Kumar Singh said a joint team of Kotwali Orai police station and the surveillance unit cordoned off a spot near a local medical college campus, where three suspects were found sitting in bushes allegedly planning a theft.
"On spotting the police, the accused opened fire with an intent to kill, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defence," he said.
During the exchange, all three suspects sustained bullet injuries in their legs and were subsequently apprehended, the officer said.
The injured-- Bharat Bhil (30), Anil Bhil (25), and Dinesh Bhil (25), all residents of Madhya Pradesh-- were admitted to a medical college.
Police recovered two country-made pistols of .315 bore, a .32 bore revolver, 25 cartridges (both live and used), Rs 60,000 in cash, and tools used for theft from the spot.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused confessed to involvement in theft cases across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar, police said.
The recovered revolver was allegedly stolen from the Azamgarh medical college campus, officials said, adding that a case has been registered and further proceedings are underway.