Wanted smuggler killed, another injured in a police encounter in Barmer, Rajasthan

A wanted smuggler was shot dead and his associate, also wanted, was injured in a shootout between police in Rajasthan's Barmer, officials said on Saturday.

Police said that while Omprakash Jat was shot and died after sustaining a bullet injury on his shoulder, his associate Koshlaram Jat sustained a bullet injury on his hand and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Jodhpur.

The incident took place on Friday evening at Gida police station in Barmer district, police said on Saturday. Officials privy to the development said that after receiving information about their hideouts in Barmer, Jodhpur, and Barmer police conducted a joint operation and raided Chibi village on Friday night.

However, the criminals escaped from the place where the police raided and were chased near Chainpura village after which the smugglers opened fire on the police team, and in retaliation, the police also fired at them in which both the smugglers were hit. officials said.

Police said both the accused were immediately taken to the government hospital in Balotra, where doctors declared Omprakash brought dead, while Koshlaram was sent to a hospital in Jodhpur. According to the police, Omprakash had a cash reward of Rs 25,000 and Koshlaram carries a cash reward of Rs 50,000.

Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Dinesh MN said, “It was a joint operation by the Jodhpur and Barmer police overseen by both the district constables to nab the wanted smugglers. While trying to escape, both the accused opened fire on the police team. In the shootout, one was killed and the other was wounded."

The ADG said both the accused are the main players in the "Doda Post smuggling" in the Jodhpur division. Doda-post is a drug made from poppy husks and is widely consumed in Rajasthan and Punjab.

Police said the late Omprakash had more than ten cases under various sections, including Theft, Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Arms Act, in various police stations in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Similarly, around 25 cases under various sections including theft, NDPS, and Arms Act are registered against Koshlaram. In many cases, both accused are accused of assaulting and firing on police teams.