3 Cops Martyred In Gun-battle With Poachers In MP
Guna (MP), May 14: Three Madhya Pradesh Police personnel – including an officer – have been martyred, a law-enforcement vehicle’s driver grievously injured and a poacher shot dead during an encounter with more than half-a-dozen ruffians who were returning after poaching black buck and peafowl in Guna district’s Aron Police Station limits.
“Ex gratia of Rs 1 crore each will be provided to the next of kin of the personnel. Seven hunters were involved. Action shall be taken in a manner that will set a precedent for other criminals. Information was received regarding the lawbreakers riding about half-a-dozen motorcycles. When surrounded, the accused opened fire,” state Home Minister and government spokesman Narottam Mishra told media representatives on Saturday after emerging from a high-level meeting convened in Bhopal by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Police said that the patrol team reached the area during the intervening night following inputs regarding presence of the culprits. The martyrs were identified as Sub-Inspector Rajkumar Jatav, Head Constable Neeraj Bhargav and Const Santram Meena. Lakhan Giri – who was at the wheel – has been admitted at the District Hospital.
Incriminating evidence were found on the scene of crime.
A massive search operation is underway against the accused. The gruesome incident assumed political hues with the principal-opposition Congress firing a broadside at the state dispensation.
While demanding Dr Mishra’s resignation, the Assembly’s Leader of the Opposition Govind Singh alleged, “The law and order situation is ceaselessly deteriorating but the government is busy delivering speeches.” Guna district adjoins Bhopal to the north.
