Kanpur police encounter with wire theft gang leaves one injured

Police in the Ghatampur circle of Kanpur engaged in an encounter with a gang specialized in stealing electricity wires and transformer equipment near Nibiya village. During a vehicle check on Sunday night, two suspects attempted to flee and opened fire on the police team.

In the ensuing retaliatory firing, one suspect, identified as Pawan, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. Pawan, who had recently been released from prison, reportedly has 10 prior criminal cases against him, including robbery, dacoity, and theft. His accomplice managed to escape into the darkness.

Authorities recovered a firearm and cartridges from the injured suspect, who has been hospitalized. Three police teams have been formed to track down the absconding accomplice and investigate other potential members of the gang. A reward of 25,000 rupees has been announced for the police team involved in the operation.