Youth nabbed in encounter for stabbing man in snatching bid

A youth, wanted for allegedly stabbing a man for resisting a phone snatching attempt, was arrested following a police encounter near Ashok Vihar here late on Monday night, officials said.

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The accused, identified as Ritik, alias Rohit, sustained a bullet injury to his left leg during the exchange of fire and has been admitted to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh, Ritik was absconding after being named co-accused in the June 10 murder of Amit Kumar. Kumar (24) was stabbed after he resisted a phone snatching attempt and later succumbed to his injuries at the same hospital.

Based on a tip-off, the police laid a trap near Prem Bari Pul, adjacent to a drain, around 10:30 pm. “A suspect was seen exiting from Shaheed Udham Singh Park.

When the police signalled him to stop, he tried to flee toward the railway tracks,” said the DCP. During the chase, Ritik allegedly opened fire at the police team. While the first bullet missed, the police responded with a warning shot. As the accused attempted to reload and fire again, he was shot in the leg in self-defense.

Ritik was immediately overpowered and taken to a hospital. No police personnel were injured in the exchange of fire.

The police had earlier registered a case under Section 103(1) (murder) of the BNS at the Ashok Vihar police station and apprehended three minors in connection with the case.

Investigations revealed that the group attempted to snatch Kumar’s mobile phone and stabbed him when he resisted. Ritik, identified as the fourth accomplice, had fled the scene with the victim’s phone and belongings.

Additional charges under Sections 309(6) (robbery) and 317(2) (stolen property) of the BNS were added. A fresh case under relevant sections of the BNS and the Arms Act has also been registered against Ritik at the Ashok Vihar police station.

The police said Ritik had a criminal history, including prior involvement in two cases of theft and armed robbery. He was previously out on bail in a 2024 armed robbery case.