Five Cattle Thieves Arrested After Police Encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr

July 5, 2026

Bulandshahr: Five people were arrested for allegedly attempting to steal buffaloes in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district after an encounter with the police, officials said on Sunday. One accused is absconding, while another sustained a bullet injury during retaliatory firing by the police and is undergoing treatment.

According to Sikandrabad Circle Officer Deepak Kumar, Gulaothi Police Station received information on July 4 that a group of cattle thieves was planning to load buffaloes into a vehicle near the local cattle market. Acting on the tip-off, the local police and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, already on patrol in the area, reached the spot.

Accused Opened Fire at Police

Police said the suspects allegedly opened fire after finding themselves surrounded. The police retaliated, during which one accused suffered a bullet injury to his left leg.

The injured accused was shifted to a primary health centre for treatment. Five others were arrested at the spot, while one suspect managed to escape. Police have launched a search operation to trace the absconding accused.

Weapons, Vehicle and Buffaloes Recovered

During the operation, police recovered an illegal firearm, a live cartridge, a pickup van and two buffaloes allegedly being stolen by the accused.

Accused Have Criminal History

Police said preliminary interrogation revealed that the arrested accused have previous criminal records. Two cattle theft cases had already been registered against them at different police stations, and they are suspected to have been involved in similar crimes in other districts.

Officials added that the injured accused alone is facing more than a dozen cases related to cattle theft. Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the gang and their involvement in similar offences across Uttar Pradesh.