PATNA, Dec. 20 -- Two criminals involved in the alleged abduction of Dr Sajal Kumar, were injured in an encounter with Saran police on Thursday late evening, police said.

The incident took place in the Inai orchard area, where the police retaliated after being challenged and shot them. Both the criminals are being treated at Chapra Sadar Hospital.

The injured have been identified as Ranjan Yadav of Dahiyawan under Town police station area, and Sonu Rai, of Dharma Baghi in Avtar Nagar police station area.

According to the Saran SP Kumar Ashish, several criminal cases were registered against them. "These are the same persons who on Wednesday night attempted to abduct Dr Sajal Kumar. However, his vehicle crashed during the kidnapping and ...