Cop gets promotion for single-handed encounter with interstate burglary gang

Constable Kartar Singh of the Delhi Police has been awarded an ‘out-of-turn’ promotion to the rank of head constable for his exemplary courage in apprehending a interstate burglary gang following an armed encounter near Asiad Village, Hauz Khas, last month.

The promotion was conferred by Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha, at a ceremony held at the Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

The incident dates back to the intervening night of July 31 and August 1, Singh was patrolling in Malviya Nagar as part of a crime prevention drive in response to rise in house burglaries.

Around 4 am, he spotted three men on a motorcycle behaving suspiciously. When challenged, the suspects attempted to flee, sparking a 30-minute high-speed chase through several colonies before they were intercepted at Khel Gaon.

The suspects attacked Singh with iron rods, striking his head but his helmet protected him from serious injury.

Despite being single, he maintained composure and, after issuing warnings, fired a warning shot in the air.

When the attackers continued their assault, he fired in self-defence, injuring one of them in the leg.

With assistance from private security guards of the Asiad Village, Singh overpowered all three suspects.

They were later identified as Sikander (injured), Darshan Singh and Vijender Singh. The police seized some tools and a motorcycle from their possession. A case was registered at the Hauz Khas police station.

During interrogation, the trio confessed to multiple burglaries and revealed that they had been conducting reconnaissance in the area for further crimes.