Gurgaon: A criminal facing more than 30 cases and wanted in multiple burglary cases was arrested after an early morning encounter with police in Faridabad on Thursday. While the accused sustained a bullet injury, a bullet allegedly fired by him struck a police officer's bulletproof jacket.
The accused, Sonu alias Bhikhari Shah, allegedly opened fire on a joint team of crime branch Sector-85 and crime branch central when police attempted to intercept him near Machhgar Road around 3am.
According to ACP (crime) Varun Kumar Dahiya, crime branch Sector-85 personnel were patrolling in the IMT Chowk Chandawali area when they received information that Sonu, a native of Sitamarhi in Bihar who was currently living in Delhi's Sangam Vihar, was travelling on a motorcycle with an illegal firearm. Police said he was heading towards Noida and was allegedly planning to commit a major crime.
Acting on the tip-off, police teams set up a blockade on Machhgar Road near the Amul factory in the IMT area and intensified surveillance in the surrounding region. The suspect allegedly spotted the police barricade, turned his motorcycle and attempted to flee towards Bukharpur village, but fell off the motorcycle. As police moved in to apprehend him, he allegedly opened fire. Police said Sonu continued firing despite being asked to surrender. One of the bullets struck the bulletproof jacket of sub-inspector Deepak Lohan, preventing any serious injury. The police team then carried out controlled firing aimed at the accused's legs in self-defence and to apprehend him. Sonu sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg and was overpowered.
After the arrest, police provided first aid before shifting him to BK Hospital for treatment.
During a search, police recovered a mobile phone, an Aadhaar card and cash from the accused. An illegal country-made pistol, several spent cartridges and the motorcycle used by him were also seized.
A forensic team later examined the scene. Preliminary investigation indicated that the accused fired four rounds at the police team.
Police said Sonu has 28 criminal cases registered against him in Noida under charges including Gangster Act, attempt to murder, Arms Act, NDPS Act, theft and robbery. He is also wanted in three to four burglary cases registered at Palla police station.
A fresh case has been registered against him at Sadar Ballabgarh police station under provisions related to attempt to murder, obstruction of govt work and Arms Act.
