Varanasi: Police constable injured in shootout with arms smugglers

A police constable, identified as Amit Shukla, was seriously injured during a raid on illegal arms smugglers in the Lanka police station area of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on Friday night when a police team, acting on a tip-off regarding illegal firearm sales, was met with gunfire from suspects.

Shukla sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen, back, and hand. He was rushed to the BHU Trauma Center, where officials reported he is in stable condition and out of danger. During the ensuing exchange of fire, police apprehended one suspect, Raj Vishwakarma, who sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. Two other suspects managed to flee the scene and remain at large.

Police recovered a pistol allegedly used during the encounter. The incident has drawn political criticism, with Congress leader Ajay Rai questioning the state of law and order in Uttar Pradesh following the attack in the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency.