A Bihar police sub-inspector was killed and his colleague was seriously injured when alleged liquor smugglers opened fire at them in Sitamarhi district on Wednesday.

Later, a person from among the people who allegedly fired at the police was killed in an encounter.

The deceased have been identified as sub-inspector Dinesh Ram, 45, and alleged liquor smuggler Ranjan Singh, 35. The injured police personnel Lalbabu Paswan is battling for life in a hospital after sustaining bullet injuries in the shootout.

According to police sources, the two personnel had gone to Kowari village under Majorgunj police station in the morning as part of a team formed to crack down on illicit liquor trade in the area.

However, a few people allegedly fired indiscriminately at them when they reached the village. The two cops sustained bullet injuries and were rushed by the locals to the hospital where Dinesh was declared brought dead while Lalbabu was admitted into the emergency ward.

“We had got information that Ranjan Singh, wanted in various crimes, including liquor smuggling, had come to his house in the village. Accordingly, Dinesh Ram and Lalbabu Paswan were sent there. They were fired upon while entering Ranjan’s residence,” Sitamarhi Sadar deputy superintendent of police Ramakant Upadhyaya told reporters.

Sub-inspector Dinesh Ram who died in the firing

However, the DSP refused to divulge anything about the ensuing encounter in which Ranjan was killed.

Sources said a large posse of cops led by senior police officials of the district raided the village in which the encounter happened and Ranjan was shot dead.

In another incident in Begusarai district, people involved in illicit liquor trade attacked a police team in Pokharia locality while it had gone to conduct a raid.

Members of the team were beaten up with bricks and sticks. Station house officer of Town police station, Abhay Shankar, and a policeman sustained injuries.

Asked about the liquor mafia, prohibition, excise and registration minister Sunil Kumar said: “We are breaking their morale. Therefore, they are attacking the police out of frustration.”

Bihar has implemented prohibition since April 5, 2016.