Wanted criminal shoots at constable, arrested

A 28-year-old criminal, wanted in at least 17 criminal cases, was arrested for shooting at a Delhi Police constable and accidentally injuring a woman during a desperate getaway attempt in southeast Delhi on Wednesday evening. HT reports. Attacked on duty

A 28-year-old criminal, wanted in at least 17 criminal cases, was arrested for shooting at a Delhi Police constable and accidentally injuring a woman during a desperate getaway attempt in southeast Delhi on Wednesday evening.

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Identified as Sonu alias Rahul, he was arrested from his in-laws' home at Gutampuri near Badarpur within hours of the incident. Beat constable Bobby Yadav, 28, and one Ramwati, 40, suffered bullet injuries during the episode.

Sonu is involved in over 17 cases of robbery and dacoity in different parts of the Capital. "Sonu, who served prison terms three times, had attacked a constable with a knife in 2007. Last evening, he shot at Yadav to escape being frisked," said an officer.

According to police, the incident happened around 8.30 pm when Yadav, who is posted at the New Friends Colony (NFC) police station, got wind that Sonu was a wanted criminal and could be in the possession of an illegal weapon.

As soon as an informer led him to Sonu, Yadav approached him and insisted on frisking him, the police claimed. However, Sonu pushed Yadav and ran with the latter giving chase on foot.

"Suddenly, Sonu turned back and fired a round at Yadav and continued to run. The bullet hit Ramwati who was passing by. Yadav pulled out his service pistol and fired a warning shot in the air but Rahul continued with his desperate getaway attempt," the officer said.

"Sonu then fired another round at Yadav from a vantage point as he took refuge behind a generator near the boundary wall of Ashoka Park. This shot hit Yadav on his left thigh. Sonu fled."

A police team reached the spot and rushed both Yadav and Ramwati to the AIIMS Trauma Centre where they are still being treated and are stated to be out of danger. A police team nabbed Sonu on Thursday morning.

"He was produced before court and has been arrested for obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty and under the arms act," the officer added.