A joint operation conducted by the SWAT team of the Crime Branch and the Indirapuram Police in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh resulted in the arrest of two notorious vehicle thieves following a gunfight on 9 September. During the operation at Kanawani Puliya, one of the suspects sustained a bullet injury to his leg during retaliatory firing by the police and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Law enforcement officers recovered a stolen grey Brezza car, a pistol, two spent cartridge cases, and one live cartridge from the possession of the accused.
Vehicle Checking at Kanawani Puliya and Encounter
According to official details provided by the police, the joint team of the Crime Branch SWAT unit and Indirapuram Police Station was conducting routine checking of vehicles near Kanawani Puliya on 9 September. During the operation, the police team spotted a suspicious grey Brezza automobile approaching the checkpoint. Officers signaled the driver to pull over the vehicle for inspection. However, instead of stopping, the driver abruptly reversed the car in an attempt to escape from the spot. In the hurry to flee, the driver lost control while reversing, causing the car to crash into the roadside.
Immediately following the collision, both occupants jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. Realizing they were surrounded by the police force, the suspects opened fire at the law enforcement team. The police personnel retaliated in self-defense. In the exchange of fire, 43-year-old Guddu Kumar, who was driving the vehicle, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was immobilized. Police forces immediately cordoned off the surrounding area and launched a thorough combing operation, successfully apprehending his 36-year-old accomplice, Chhotu Kumar, who was attempting to flee.
Recovery of Stolen Vehicle, Arms, and Criminal Background
Subsequent investigation revealed that the grey Brezza car recovered from the scene had been stolen from the Indirapuram area itself. A case regarding the vehicle theft had already been registered at the Indirapuram Police Station. In addition to the stolen automobile, the police seized an illegal pistol, two empty cartridge shells fired during the encounter, and one live round from the suspects.
Police inquiries into the identities and background of the perpetrators established that the injured driver, Guddu Kumar, is originally a resident of Trishuli district in Nepal and was currently residing in Patna, Bihar. During interrogation, Guddu Kumar disclosed a history of prior criminal involvement across multiple states. He admitted to having been previously jailed in Patna, Bihar, in connection with illegal liquor smuggling cases. Furthermore, he revealed that he had been arrested and imprisoned in Gurugram, Haryana, for auto theft offences. His accomplice, 36-year-old Chhotu Kumar, was identified as a resident of Patna, Bihar. Ghaziabad Police are currently scrutinizing the comprehensive criminal records of both individuals to trace any further links to crime networks.
