Mathura, May 25 -- Three cattle thieves were injured and subsequently apprehended following a fierce late-night encounter with the police in Mathura, officials said on Monday.

The police recovered cash worth Rs.104,000, three country-made pistols, and a quantity of live ammunition from the possession of the accused.

According to officials, the Mathura Police received credible intelligence indicating that cattle thieves had become active in the region and were plotting to commit a major crime. Based on the tip-off, a police team immediately initiated a cordon-and-search operation in the locality.

During the operation, the police attempted to intercept the suspicious individuals, who then opened fire on the team. The police returned fire...