The Jaunpur police arrested two thieves involved in stealing 85 brass bells from various temples in the district in recent weeks. The arrest followed a police encounter near the Bara canal area on Wednesday morning, where one suspect, Brijesh Gautam, sustained a bullet injury in his leg during retaliatory firing.
Police tried to stop four suspects riding two motorcycles, but the group opened fire and attempted to flee. While Gautam was injured and apprehended, his accomplice Pappu alias Pyarelal was caught after a chase. The other two suspects managed to escape initially.
During interrogation, Pappu revealed the identities of the absconders. Police later arrested Harishyam Agrahari of Sultanpur district near his hideout while he was handling stolen goods.
The operation recovered a motorcycle, a pickup van, a country-made pistol, cartridges, two mobile phones, cash worth Rs 2,800, and all 85 brass bells stolen from temples. Police continue the investigation to nab the remaining suspect.
