An armed intruder aged about 20 was caught by police after he entered a house in Sector 10 in Panchkula forcibly on Wednesday and tried to take family members hostage. He allegedly also opened fire before police overpowered him.
Police have identified the suspect as Surya Kant of Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh, who had recently taken Class-12 exams. "A case under Section 307 (attempt to murder), Section 392, read with Section 511 (attempt of robbery), Section 451 (house trespass) and Arms Act has been registered against him.
"So far, there is no evidence to suggest that the intruder had a connection with the maid, who hailed from Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh. Investigations are on to find out whether more people were involved in the incident," said Noopar Bishnoi, SHO, Sector 5 police station.
The incident took place at around 11am. As per house inmate Deepika Thakur, her mother Prabha Thakur (51) was selling old newspapers to a scrap dealer. As she went inside the house, a person with covered face also entered and put a revolver on Deepika's sister Vishali's (21) neck.
Deepika, who was in her office at the time of incident, said, "My mother kicked the intruder and my sister pushed him out. Both locked themselves inside a room."
However, Surya Kant was already inside the house by then, she claimed.
Deepika, who was in her office at the time of incident, said, "My mother kicked the intruder and my sister pushed him out. Both locked themselves inside a room."
However, Surya Kant was already inside the house by then, she claimed.
"My brother Shivam (13) was taking a bath in the bathroom, which is located at the rear of the house. He came out of the bathroom and went a neighbour's house by jumping a wall. The neighbours informed police," said Deepika.
"While we were inside the room, I called up Deepika through my mobile phone," said Vaishali.
The intruder then entered the kitchen, where Pratibha (14), the maid, was cooking. He allegedly slapped her and as she tried to hide under the sink, Surya Kant allegedly dragged her outside and put the revolver on her neck too.
By this time, police had reached the house. Surya Kant hid himself inside the bathroom. As assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Surjit Singh broke open the door, the intruder allegedly tried to open fire, but the police officer forcibly twisted his hand upwards. Surya Kant allegedly pressed the trigger but the bullet hit the roof. He was overpowered and arrested by police.
"The intruder was standing outside our house and had been watching us. He had come with a bag, probably with a motive of robbery. He tried to shoot us, but we forced him out of the room and locked ourselves inside," said Vaishali.