Aravalli Police Encounter With Suspected Smuggling Accused: One Shot in Leg, 3 Cops Injured in Malpur Firing

An alleged shootout broke out between Aravalli Local Crime Branch (LCB) personnel and suspected poshdoda (poppy straw or poppy capsules) smugglers near Mordungari in Malpur early on October 2, leaving one accused injured and three policemen hurt.

Police said the accused fired two rounds at the LCB team after officers signalled a suspicious Fortuner SUV to stop. In self-defence, LCB PI M.H. Jhala fired three rounds, one of which hit an accused in the leg.

The injured accused was arrested, while another suspected accomplice escaped under the cover of darkness.

Suspicious Fortuner Fired at Police Team

According to police, the LCB team had received information that a large quantity of poshdoda was being transported in a car. Acting on the information, the team set up a watch near Mordungari in Malpur in the early hours of October 2.

When the suspected vehicle approached, police signalled the driver to stop. Instead, the driver allegedly opened fire at the police team.

Police responded by firing in self-defence, injuring one accused in the leg. Officers then detained and arrested him.

A search of the arrested accused and the vehicle led to the seizure of two Mauser pistols and a quantity of ammunition, police said. A large quantity of poshdoda was also seized.

3 Policemen Injured

LCB PI M.H. Jhala, PSI P.P. Solanki and ASI Kalpesh Singh were injured during the operation. The three policemen were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Police said preliminary investigation indicated the alleged involvement of members of the Bishnoi gang in the smuggling network.

A search operation has been launched for the absconding accused, with police cordoning off the area and putting up a blockade.