Delhi: Two wanted criminals held after exchange of fire in Dwarka

Two habitual offenders, wanted in an attempt to murder, were arrested after an exchange of fire with the police in Dwarka area of southwest Delhi, an official said on Friday.

The accused, Jatin Sharma, 27, and Pawan Bhandari, 26, are alleged to be associated with the Vicky Takkar gang and were involved in a recent stabbing incident in which a man was critically injured in the Dabri area, the officer said.

Police said the case pertains to an incident reported on April 8, when a person, Mahender Singh, was stabbed and left grievously injured.

“As his condition prevented him from giving a statement initially, a case was registered later after a proper statement,” Dwarka Deputy Commissioner of Police Kushal Pal Singh said.

During the investigation, Sharma and Bhandari were identified as the main accused. The victim later told police that the duo had been demanding protection money from him to allow him to run his shop and were attempting to create fear in the area.

Acting on a tip-off, a team laid a trap near Dhulsiras Chowk on Friday early and intercepted the accused at around 2.10 am, while they were approaching on a scooter from the Najafgarh side.

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“When asked to surrender, Sharma allegedly opened fire at the police team, and a bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of a constable, narrowly missing him,” the officer said.

In response, the constable fired two rounds in self-defence, injuring Sharma in the leg. Subsequently, the police apprehended both the accused, recovering a pistol, a country-made firearm, live and empty cartridges and a stolen scooter from their possession.