Ballia, Nov. 13 -- A wanted cow smuggler was shot in the leg during a police encounter, after he allegedly opened fire at the officials attempting to arrest him in Ballia.

The accused has been identified as Ajay Pattharkatta.

As per the reports, the officers of Narhi Police Station were patrolling during the night when they received information of the wanted accused standing near a Peepal tree on the banks of Nasirpur Math canal.

Acting on the intel, the officials attempted to take him into custody. However, the accused opened fire at the officials. The police fired back in defense in which Pattharkatta was shot in the leg.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Kripa Shankar said, "An operation was being run against cow smuggling in Ja...