Hazaribag police injured and arrested an alleged member of the Rahul Dubey gang during a weapon recovery operation in Karma Tilla forest early Friday, police said. Anshu Dubey, 22, was taken to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital after being shot in the left leg during what police described as an exchange of fire. Hazaribag Superintendent of Police Aman Kumar said he was out of danger.
According to police, Anshu had been taken to the forest to recover a firearm linked to an investigation into a firing outside a mining company gate in Urimari on October 27. Police said he pushed personnel during the recovery operation, pulled out a concealed weapon and opened fire. Personnel retaliated in self-defence, injuring him. No police personnel were hurt, the report said.
Police recovered a 7.62 mm pistol, two live cartridges, one empty cartridge case, two pamphlets bearing the gang’s name and a mobile phone from the area. Investigators said the firearm was allegedly used in the Urimari firing, which took place around 12.30am on October 27.
The earlier attack allegedly followed the mining company’s failure to meet an extortion demand linked to the gang. A private security guard was seriously injured in the firing, while a pamphlet bearing the gang’s name was found at the site, according to police.
Investigators detained and questioned Anshu at the Urimari police outpost. Police said he allegedly admitted to being associated with the gang and to involvement in the firing. He also allegedly told investigators that he carried out criminal activities on the direction of Rahul Dubey.
The case places security around mining and industrial facilities at the centre of the ongoing investigation. Such sites often depend on private security personnel at entry gates, making the alleged attack relevant not only to the criminal probe but also to the protection of workers, guards and company premises.
Police are now investigating Anshu’s alleged links to the gang and the role of other members in criminal activities. The recovered weapon, cartridges, pamphlets and mobile phone are expected to form part of that investigation, while the injured suspect remains under medical care.
