Ghaziabad police arrest three armed robbers after encounter at Sihani Gate

Ghaziabad police have arrested three armed robbers in an encounter at Sihani Gate area, with two of the accused sustaining bullet injuries in the exchange of fire. The incident took place during a routine checking operation when the suspects allegedly opened fire at the police team, forcing officers to retaliate in self-defence.

The Sihani Gate police station team had launched the checking operation following a tip-off received on the intervening night of 10 and 11 September from an informer. According to the information, three motorcycle-borne individuals were roaming in the factory area, planning to execute a criminal act, and were carrying illegal weapons. Acting on this intelligence, the police team set up a checking point near C-Block Cut in Lohiyanagar on Mangal Pandey Marg.

During the checking, three suspects on a motorcycle were spotted approaching the location. When police signalled them to stop, the trio attempted to flee on their bike. However, the motorcycle skidded and all three fell to the ground. Police managed to catch one of the accused at the spot, while the other two attempted to escape. When the police team gave chase, both the fleeing suspects allegedly opened fire at the officers with the intent to kill. In retaliatory firing done in self-defence, both accused sustained bullet injuries and were overpowered along with their third accomplice.

The injured accused were sent to hospital for medical treatment. Police have recovered two illegal country-made pistols of .315 bore, one live cartridge, two empty cartridge shells, one mobile phone and a Splendor motorcycle that was used in the incident from the possession of the arrested accused.

The arrested accused have been identified as Shahrukh alias Imran, a resident of Sardhana in Meerut and currently living in Dasna; Imran son of Shahid alias Saeed, a resident of Rafiqabad in Dasna; and Sonu son of late Abdul Sattar, originally from Hapur and currently residing in the Masuri area.

According to ACP Ziyauddin, during interrogation the arrested accused have admitted to committing four to five incidents of theft and robbery over the past approximately two months. Police are conducting further questioning to gather information about other criminal activities.

Police records reveal that Shahrukh alias Imran has 13 cases registered against him including murder, theft and attempt to murder, while Imran has four cases registered against him including robbery, illegal weapons possession and theft. Police are also collecting information about their other criminal history.

The items recovered from the accused include two pistols of .315 bore, one live cartridge, two empty cartridge shells, one Nothing company mobile phone and the Splendor motorcycle bearing registration number UP15 FD 7747 that was used in the incident. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the accused's criminal activities.