Jaunpur/UNI: Two criminals were injured in an encounter with joint teams of Barsathi and Mariahu police in Jaunpur district here in Uttar Pradesh, a senior police officer said here on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Sahni said that during patrolling late on Friday night Station House Officer (SHO) Barsathi Dinesh Kumar spotted some persons near an SUV.

"When signaled to stop the persons fled from the spot towards Baderi. In the meantime Barsathi police informed Mariahu police," he said.

He said that when challenged by the team of two police stations, the criminals opened fire and were injured in retaliatory firing.

"The criminals have been identified as Prashant Kumar Maurya alias Suraj and Ram Murat alias Karia. They sustained bullet injuries in their leg and have been admitted to the community health center under police custody," he said.

The SSP said that on November 29, the arrested accused kidnapped and murdered one Ravindra Tripathi.

"The vehicle used in kidnapping and murder of Tripathi, mobile phones and an illicit fire-arm have been recovered from their possession," he said.