4 nabbed in two police encounters

In two separate encounters across the national capital, the Delhi Police arrested four persons and recovered firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and snatched cash from them, they said on Monday.

In the first case, the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of the South-East District arrested a wanted criminal, identified as Bharat, alias Teja, following a brief exchange of fire near Aastha Kunj Park in Amar Colony.

Bharat (28), a resident of Taimur Nagar, sustained a bullet injury in his left leg during the encounter. He was shifted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. A country-made pistol, three live cartridges and two empty shells were recovered from the spot.

The police said Bharat was wanted in an attempt to murder case registered at the New Friends Colony police station on October 21. He had allegedly opened fire during a quarrel between two groups on Diwali night.

Investigation revealed that he was a repeat offender previously involved in nine cases, including attempt to murder, Arms Act and excise-related offences.

In the second incident, a team of the Rajouri Garden police station in West Delhi arrested three snatchers following a series of operations.

The main accused, Rajan, alias Bhola, was apprehended after an encounter near the Sub-Registrar Office in Basai Darapur.

During the exchange of fire, he sustained a gunshot injury in his right leg and was taken to GGSG Hospital.

The police recovered a pistol, two live cartridges, a car, two scooty (one of them stolen) and Rs 15,000 from him.

Those arrested were identified as Rajan, alias Bhola (22), Sonu (33) and Karan (20).

According to the police, Rajan is a habitual offender. He was involved in 46 criminal cases, including theft, robbery and snatching. Five recent snatching cases reported from Rajouri Garden and Paschim Vihar areas have been solved with their arrest.

Separate FIRs have been registered in both incidents and further investigation is underway.