KATHUA: A gangster was shot dead while a police officer sustained grievous injuries during a harrowing encounter within the premises of Government Medical College Kathua on Tuesday night.

Officials disclosed that a notorious faction of gangsters-Shunoo group-led by one Vasudev, who was a key accused in a murder case registered at Police Station Ramgarh, was being chased by a team of police from Ramgarh area of Samba District on getting a tip off about the group.

"Swift to evade capture, the gangsters moved their vehicle into the premises of the Government Medical College Kathua," they said.

However, their attempts to hide were futile as they found themselves facing off with the police within the hospital's corridors.

Amidst the exchange of gunfire between the gangsters and the police, one member of the Shunoo group, identified as Vasudev himself, succumbed to his wounds, while another was left injured, officials said.

A Probationer Sub-Inspector, Deepak Sharma, also sustained grave injuries in the exchange of fire. He has since been transferred to Amandeep Hospital Pathankot for urgent medical attention.

Upon assessing the aftermath, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Shivdeep Singh Jamwal, arrived at the Medical College to provide insight into the situation.

He has confirmed the demise of one gangster and the injury of another during the encounter besides severe injuries to the PSI.