Gangster held after exchange of fire, injured

A gangster, reportedly inspired by Bollywood film “Shootout at Lokhandwala”, was arrested following an exchange of fire in Southeast Delhi, the police said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Sagar, alias Maya (23), used to frequently upload his photos brandishing pistols on social media. He wanted to become “Maya Bhai”, a character in the movie, and started his own gang in the name of “Maya Gang”, they added.

According to police, the accused was wanted in over 20 cases, including robbery, snatching, firing and under the Arms Act.

The police got a tip-off that the accused was travelling from Kalindi Kunj flyover towards Sarita Vihar. The police laid a trap and saw a person approaching on a scooty on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, an official said.

When the police signalled him to stop, the accused opened fire on the police party. The police fired in self-defence. A bullet hit him on his leg, following which he was overpowered.

The accused was rushed to Safdarjung Hospital from where he was discharged after administering first aid, the official said. The police recovered a semi-automatic pistol, two live cartridges and a stolen scooty from him.

The police said the accused was fond of action movies. Inspired by the character ‘Maya’ from Bollywood film “Shootout at Lokhandwala”, he started his own gang.

He was so desperate that at the age of 23, he took protection money from other criminals of the area. He used to upload photos of himself with pistols and knives on social media platforms, the official added.