Auto-lifter arrested after exchange of fire

The accused, identified as Chawan, sustained five bullet injuries during the exchange of fire and is now admitted to Safdarjung hospital, Gurgaon, where his condition is reported critical. A head constable was also injured and had to be rushed to the hospital.

After a brief exchange of fire on Tuesday night, Gurgaon police arrested a 30-year-old criminal who is wanted in more than three dozen vehicle-theft cases.

The accused, identified as Chawan, sustained five bullet injuries during the exchange of fire and is now admitted to Safdarjung hospital, Gurgaon, where his condition is reported critical. A head constable was also injured and had to be rushed to the hospital.

The encounter took place when the accused tried to flee from a car at a police barricade near village Saharavan, Manesar.

The police recovered one country made pistol and two live cartridges from his possession, but his accomplice escaped.

Chawan was arrested by Rajasthan police in May, 2014. But he escaped while on the way to court with the help of gang members who intercepted the police truck on Sohna Palwal road.

Chawan is a resident of village Panchgaon, Mewat. His brother Moubin is already a member of vehicle theft and robbery gang of Mewat and has been arrested several times.