Lucknow, Feb 27: In a crackdown on theft operations targeting rural infrastructure, police arrested four individuals accused of stealing transformer oil and copper from rural areas in Lucknow. The arrests took place in Sahilamau village, Malihabad, following a police encounter, officials said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (West) Vishwajeet Srivastava stated that law enforcement received intelligence regarding the gang’s activities, prompting a raid at their suspected location. Upon spotting the police, the gang members attempted to flee. Still, their vehicle got stuck in a pit, leading to the arrest of three suspects—Vipin Kumar Gautam, Shiv Yadav alias Sonu, and Manoj alias Chotu.
The fourth accused, Ranjit, managed to escape initially and fired at the police in an attempt to resist arrest. In the ensuing retaliatory fire, he was shot in the leg and subsequently taken into custody. Authorities shifted him to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
During the operation, police seized a vehicle loaded with a substantial quantity of copper wire, live cartridges, and firearms. Investigations are ongoing as officials question the accused to uncover further details about the operation.
Authorities continue their efforts to curb such criminal activities, ensuring stricter vigilance in rural areas.
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