Two bandits shot dead; cash and explosives seized in MP

Panna, MP, Dec 31 (UNI) Two notorious dacoits wanted in connection with several cases of loot and dacoity in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, were killed in an encounter today near Jhinna, 35 km from here, and more than Rs 2 lakh and explosives were seized from them, police said.

The bandits, identified as Mohan Patel and Rameshwar Patel, carried a reward of Rs 25,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively.

The cash was found in a bag tied to Mohan's shoulder. A rifle, 58 cartridges and other weapons were also recovered from the slain daciots.

The encounter took place at a hillock at Jhinna village in Ajaygarh police station area, Panna's Superintendent of Police Shriniwas Varma said.

On a tip-off about the gang's movement in Panna National Park and Ken Gharial sanctuary for the last few days, the police raided their hideout this morning, Mr Varma said.

Mohan Patel was wanted in several cases in Chhatarpur, Pnna, Damoh districts of MP and Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh, Mr Varma added.

Both dacoits were close accomplices of the Ambika Prasad Patel alias Thokiya gang.

However, some of the slain bandits' accomplices managed to escape.

UNI