JAIPUR: Two constables were killed after suspected drug smugglers opened fire when they were stopped at separate checkpoints in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district late on Saturday evening.
According to police, the assailants in an SUV, two cars and a pick-up jeep were speeding and they started firing at a patrol party at 11pm when the cops tried to stop them for checking. “The police team at Sricharbhuja temple under Kotadi police station attempted to stop them. The passengers in the vehicles started firing intermittently,” said a senior police officer.
“One constable Onkar Raika (25) was injured. He was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed. He had taken bullets on his chest and other parts,” he added.
Soon after, police started barricading the district’s borders and alerted every police station in the area. However, about 30 minutes later, unknown assailants again opened fire almost 40km from the previous spot at Raila area of Bhilwara, injuring and killing another constable. “The constable, identified as Pawan Chaudhary (27), sustained bullet injuries and fell unconscious. Our team rushed him to the hospital where he was declared brought dead,” the officer said.
Preliminary investigation suggested that the same gang was involved in both the incidents. “We have recovered a jeep and one more vehicle involved in the firing. A large quantity of narcotics, mainly poppy husk, has also been recovered,” said Bhilwara superintendent of police Vikas Sharma.
He said some suspects have been detained. “We have concrete information on the whereabouts of the smugglers. They will be caught soon,” he added.
Bhilwara additional SP Chanchal Mishra said a case of murder and obstructing officials from discharge of duty has been registered against unidentified accused. CM Ashok Gehlot condoled the deaths.