Patna: A wanted criminal linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was injured in a police encounter early Thursday morning near Masaurhi in Patna. The incident took place during a vehicle-checking operation conducted by Bihar Police following specific intelligence inputs.

According to police sources, the accused, identified as Parmanand, was travelling on a motorcycle and was on his way to meet an associate. Acting on prior information, the police laid a trap on possible routes. When officers attempted to stop him for checking, he ignored their instructions and tried to flee. During the attempt to escape, he reportedly lost balance and fell from the motorcycle.

Police officials stated that Parmanand then opened fire at the police team, forcing them to retaliate in self-defense. He was shot in the leg during the exchange of fire and was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment. His condition is said to be stable.

Parmanand is believed to be originally from Jharkhand and is accused in nearly 18 to 20 serious criminal cases registered across Patna and other districts. He is considered a key operative and the Bihar head of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Investigators also claim that he is associated with the Rahul Singh gang, which allegedly maintains links with the Bishnoi network.

Confirming the incident, Patna East SP Parichay Kumar said the operation involved Beur Police, Masaurhi Police, Patna Police, and the Special Task Force (STF). He clarified that the firing by police was carried out strictly in self-defense. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been called to collect evidence from the encounter site, and further legal action is in progress.