Wanted Criminal Shot and Arrested After Intense Gunfight in Gurgaon
In a dramatic late-night operation, a 24-year-old wanted criminal, carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, was shot in the leg and apprehended following a fierce exchange of gunfire with the Crime Branch team in Manesar, Gurgaon. The incident unfolded on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, marking a significant breakthrough for law enforcement agencies.
Escape from Jail and Criminal Background
The accused, identified as Ankit Kumar, also known by the alias Gudda, is a resident of Hajurapur in Kannauj district, Uttar Pradesh. He had been residing in Khoh village, Gurgaon, after escaping from jail in Kannauj in January 2026. Police records reveal that Kumar was wanted in a case under the Arms Act, with Uttar Pradesh Police announcing a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his capture. A review of his criminal history uncovered six prior cases registered against him in Uttar Pradesh, including charges of theft, robbery, and violations under the Arms Act.
The Encounter and Police Operation
According to official statements, Sub-Inspector Manoj Kumar, the in-charge of Crime Branch Manesar, received specific intelligence on the night of February 26-27. The tip-off indicated that the accused was riding a motorcycle from Pachgaon Chowk towards Khoh Kasan while carrying illegal weapons. Acting swiftly, the Crime Branch team alerted senior officers and established a blockade near Golu Hotel at Pachgaon Chowk on the road leading to Kasan village.
As a motorcyclist approached the checkpoint, police signaled him to stop. In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the rider abandoned his bike and attempted to flee, opening fire at the police team. One bullet struck an officer's bulletproof jacket, but no injuries were reported. Despite repeated warnings to surrender, the accused continued firing, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defense. During the exchange, a bullet hit the accused in the leg, causing him to fall and be overpowered by the authorities.
Aftermath and Investigation
The encounter resulted in a total of five rounds being fired—three by the accused and two by the police. The injured accused was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Officials from Manesar police station, along with crime scene and fingerprint teams, conducted a thorough inspection of the location. From the scene, police recovered one motorcycle, a pistol, one live cartridge, and five empty shell cartridges.
A fresh case of attempt to murder has been registered against the accused at Manesar police station for firing at the officers. Police spokesman Sandeep Turan stated, "After being discharged from the hospital, the accused will be formally arrested in the present case and interrogated. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, which is ongoing." This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat crime and ensure public safety in the region.
