Patna: Three accused, allegedly involved in the murder of a property dealer around two months ago, were shot in the legs by police and arrested in Sitamarhi district early Wednesday morning.The injured and arrested accused were identified as Sunil Kushwaha, Mani Kumar and Indal Kumar. Police said the three were involved in the July 25 murder of property dealer Dinesh Yadav (40) and had been on the run after committing the crime.The encounter took place after the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the murder, received information that the three suspects would pass through Riga-Parsauni road. Police immediately launched a vehicle-checking drive.According to police, the suspects soon appeared on a motorcycle, with all three travelling together. When they noticed the police’s presence, they allegedly turned the motorcycle and attempted to flee.A police team chased them. During the pursuit, the motorcycle reportedly went out of control because of its high speed and the three suspects fell on the road. Police said when the team moved closer, the suspects opened fire and attempted to escape.The police retaliated, firing in response. All three suspects were hit in their legs and they fell on the ground, following which they were taken into custody. Police also claimed to have recovered three semi-automatic pistols and 800 cartridges from them.Police said all three suspects have criminal histories.Sitamarhi SP Amit Ranjan said, “Indal was wanted by Motihari police and he was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head. Sunil is a notorious criminal in Sitamarhi and is also an accused in Mukhiya Munna Mishra murder case.”He said the investigators will now question them to find their roles in the killing of Dinesh and determine whether anyone else was involved.Dinesh was the brother of gangster Rakesh Yadav. The attackers on July 25 allegedly opened indiscriminate fire, hitting Dinesh seven times around his arm, shoulder and neck. He died on the spot.His wife, Poonam Devi, had alleged that threats were being issued to the family following the murder of property dealer Puttu Khan. She had claimed that her brother-in-law and gangster Rakesh Yadav’s name had surfaced in that case and alleged that Puttu Khan’s brother had subsequently threatened the family.
