Sources said a gang of armed criminals swooped on the law enforcers in the morning and snatched the accused, Anu, 35, from their custody,

Police arrested Anu, 35, at Pagla last week for his involvement in the looting of a rod-laden truck in the area few weeks ago, killing the trucker and his helper.

On his confessional statement, the law enforcers along with Anu went to Ragunathpur yesterday morning to arrest his accompanies.

"When the cops, taking Anu with them, reached Ragunathpur, about 100 criminals attacked them with firearms and sticks and snatched Anu from their custody," locals said. The criminals captured a land in the area on Thursday night and were staying there, they added.

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Fatullah Police Station admitted the incident. Police could not arrest Anu or any of his accompanies as of 7:00pm yesterday.