Police have achieved another major success in the high-profile theft case of Thave Bhavani Temple in Gopalganj district. An encounter took place between the police and the second accused, Izamamul Alam, near Rikhai Tola village under the Thave police station area, during which the accused was shot in the leg. He was subsequently admitted to Sadar Hospital, Gopalganj, where he is undergoing treatment.

According to the police, the encounter occurred after they received information that the absconding accused in the theft case was heading to the location where the stolen temple valuables had been hidden in order to retrieve them. Acting on the tip-off, a police team cordoned off the area. During the operation, the accused allegedly opened fire at the police personnel, prompting retaliatory action in which he was shot in the leg.

The injured accused has been identified as 21-year-old Izamamul Alam, a resident of Rajepur police station area in East Champaran district, who had recently been residing in the Shahpur police station area of Bhojpur district.

It is noteworthy that on December 17, a valuable gold crown worth approximately ₹1.08 crore was stolen from the Thave Bhavani Temple, triggering widespread outrage and concern across the state. Preliminary investigations had revealed that the theft was carried out in a well-planned and premeditated manner.

During the encounter, the police recovered a portion of the stolen crown from the accused, which he had concealed about 1,500 metres away from the temple premises. Police officials stated that raids are continuing to recover the remaining parts of the crown and other stolen items.

In connection with the case, another accused had already been arrested earlier. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his role in planning and executing the theft.

Following the incident, security arrangements at the Thave Bhavani Temple and surrounding areas have been significantly tightened. Police patrols have been intensified, and CCTV footage along with other technical evidence is being closely examined. The police have also appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious activities to the authorities.