Police looking for dacoit's body

Gwalior, Aug 6 (UNI) Amid claims of death of dreaded dacoit chieftain Dayaram Gadaria in a police encounter, police appeared to be divided over who carried out the encounter.

Both Gwalior and Shivpuri police claimed to have carried out the encounter with the notorious Dayaram Rambabu Gadaria gang, which carried a Rs 15 lakh reward.

The dacoit chieftain, who carried a reward of Rs five lakh on his head, was reportedly shot at and injured during the encounter. It was also claimed that Dayaram Gadaria had died.

However, no official confirmation was provided in this regard.

Additional Director General of Police (anti-dacoity) S S Shukla said nothing could be confirmed unless the dacoit chieftain's body was not found.

A SLR rifle belonging to the dacoit was seized and stains of dragging him from the spot was found.

As soon as the bullent hit the dacoit, his friends shouted, ''Fauji has been hit. Let's go,'' and retreated into the forest. As per police records, the bandits called Dayaram as 'Fauji'.

Meanwhile, police were divided over whether Gwalior police or Shivpuri police carried out the attack.

A senior police officer from Gwalior said Gwalior SP Sanjeev Sharma had received the exact information about the gang's presence.

A police team reached forest and had an encounter with the gang.

However, Shivpuri police staked claimed to have killed the dacoit in the encounter, which took place in Shivpuri district.

Meanwhile, about 300 jawans led by police officials from Gwalior, Shivpuri and Sheopur were combing the area to track down the deceased dacoit.

UNI MKS-PS 1413