Tension gripped Muzaffarpur as an ATM fraud kingpin, politically connected, turned violent against pursuing officers. The Tuesday incident near Bela Road temple saw ASI Vikas Kumar shot in the stomach by Pappu Sahni during a routine arrest attempt. Bike-riding duo ambushed the team, but swift retaliation changed the narrative.
Kumar crumpled instantly, prompting an immediate police chase. Sahni’s escape bid involved random firing, heightening public alarm. Joint teams from Bela and Mithanpura stations engaged, wounding and detaining him. The seized firearm cements his role in cyber frauds plaguing the region.
Pappu, offspring of RJD’s Uma Shankar Sahni from Minaapur, headed the ATM scam network. Prior warrants ignored, his capture marks a breakthrough. Medical teams stabilized Kumar at Bairia private facility; Sahni at Sadar Hospital under guard.
On-site, DIG Kushwaha affirmed: ‘Long-sought for ATM frauds, he opened fire on sight.’ SSP and others coordinated the response. As inquiries deepen, this episode raises alarms on nexus between crime syndicates and local powerbrokers, urging comprehensive reforms in Bihar’s security framework.