17 Naxalites, 137 Rewarded Criminals Arrested in Bihar in Last 40 Days: ADG Law & Order
The police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, three self-loading rifles, four regular rifles, 986 cartridges and various other arms and ammunition
In a significant crackdown on crime, Bihar Police has arrested 17 Naxalites and 137 rewarded criminals in the past 40 days, including several notorious offenders listed among the top-10 criminals in various districts of the state. This was announced by Additional Director General (Law & Order), Pankaj Kumar Darad, during a press conference held at Sardar Patel Bhawan, Police Headquarters, on Friday.
ADG Darad informed that continuous and focused operations are being conducted across the state to maintain law and order, particularly targeting notorious and high-reward criminals. Among the arrests, one individual carried a reward of ₹1 lakh. Additionally, 17 criminals from the top-10 lists of different districts were apprehended during this period.
Significant seizures were made during these operations. The police recovered one AK-47 rifle, three self-loading rifles (SLRs), four regular rifles, 986 cartridges and various other arms and ammunition from the arrested individuals.
Highlighting recent encounters, the ADG stated that there have been four encounters with Naxalites and criminals over the last 40 days. On April 4, four Naxalites were arrested during raids conducted in Imamganj (Gaya) and Katoria (Jamui). The operation led to the recovery of four regular rifles and 527 cartridges. In another major operation, the Special Task Force (STF) seized an AK-47 and 43 cartridges from Udwantnagar in Rohtas district. ADG Darad assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to trace the origin and potential links related to the recovered AK-47.
Responding to recent allegations by the Leader of Opposition regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar, Darad said that an internal inquiry at the police headquarters could confirm only 46 incidents out of the numerous ones cited. He added that no detailed information or specific locations were mentioned in the Leader of Opposition’s statements or posts, making verification difficult.
The ADG also recounted major operations conducted by the police and STF over the last three months and reiterated the state police’s commitment to curbing criminal activities.
Notably, Pankaj Kumar Darad also holds charge as ADG of the Special Vigilance Unit and has previously served as ADG of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
