Ballia (UP), Oct 16 (PTI) Two criminals, including a murder accused, were arrested after separate encounters in Bairia and Sikandarpur areas here early on Thursday, police said.

According to Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh, the first encounter took place around 1 am in Bairia. A police team signalled a motorcyclist to stop near Chanddiar Jayprakash Nagar embankment road in Risal Rai but instead of stopping, the rider sped away, prompting a chase.

"When cornered, he opened fire at the police, who retaliated in self-defence, injuring the accused in his right leg," Singh said.

The injured rider, identified as Dharmendra Yadav (28) of Sonbarsa village, was taken into custody and admitted to the district hospital after initial treatment at Sonbarsa community health centre, the SP said.

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