Gorakhpur: A man was arrested while his accomplice escaped after exchange of fire with police during a vehicle-checking drive in Pipraich area of the district early Tuesday.A constable sustained a bullet injury to his left hand, while the accused was shot in the leg during retaliatory firing by police.The incident took place around 3 am near Jungle Dhushan Tiraha, where a joint team of Pipraich police and the anti-theft cell was checking vehicles. According to SP North Gyanendra Kumar, two men riding a scooter were signalled to stop, but they attempted to flee by taking a U-turn. The scooter skidded and both occupants fell.Police said one of the suspects opened fire at the team with the intention of escaping, injuring constable Hanuman, 32. Police retaliated, hitting the accused on his leg. He was overpowered, while his accomplice, identified as Sarfaraz, son of Maseullah of Bakshipur under Kotwali police station, escaped.The arrested accused was identified as Mumtaz Ahmad alias Raju, 30, resident of Nizampur in Tiwaripur. He was first taken to CHC Pipraich and later referred to the district hospital for treatment.Police recovered a .315-bore country-made pistol, a spent cartridge, a live round, Rs 2,200 in cash and the scooter from the accused. Officials said the vehicle and other items recovered were linked to three burglary cases registered in Pipraich.Police records show that Mumtaz has 14 criminal cases registered against him for theft, robbery, possession of stolen property and Arms Act and NDPS Act offences across Pipraich, Ramgarhtal, Shahpur, Gulriha, Cantt and other police stations. Efforts are underway to arrest the absconding accused.
