According to senior police officials, the incident occurred on Wednesday night after police received specific intelligence that a notorious criminal, Chandan alias Kaku, was moving through the Narela area on a motorcycle along with an associate and was armed. Acting on the tip-off, a special police team launched a search operation and set up a picket near the Narela Industrial Training Institute (NIT).
During the checking operation, police spotted two men riding a motorcycle and signalled them to stop. Instead of complying, the suspects allegedly attempted to flee, prompting the police team to chase them. Officials said that while trying to escape, the accused fired three rounds at the pursuing police personnel, forcing the team to retaliate in self-defence.
Police returned fire, discharging three rounds, two of which struck the suspects in their legs, injuring both men. The injured were identified as Afzal alias Imran, aged 34, and Chandan alias Kaku, aged 31, both residents of Narela. They were first taken to RHC Hospital and later referred to Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar (BSA) Hospital for further medical treatment.
From the spot, police recovered two pistols, five empty cartridges, two mobile phones and the motorcycle used by the accused. Officials confirmed that Chandan is a listed “bad character” at Narela police station and is wanted in several cases, including an attempt-to-murder case, as well as cases related to robbery, theft and violations of the Arms Act. Afzal is also a listed bad character with a long criminal history, including cases of assault on a public servant, robbery, Arms Act violations, eve-teasing-cum-POCSO Act offences and theft.
Police said a fresh case is being registered against both accused under charges of attempt to murder, obstructing a public servant in the discharge of official duty and relevant provisions of the Arms Act. Further investigation is underway to ascertain their wider criminal network and involvement in other cases.
The encounter underscores the continuing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling armed repeat offenders in the capital, even as police maintain heightened vigilance through intelligence-based operations to curb serious crime and protect public safety.
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