Ghaziabad police shoot wanted chain-snatcher Sanjay during vehicle check encounter

A wanted criminal carrying a bounty of twenty-five thousand rupees was shot and injured during a police encounter in Ghaziabad's Indirapuram area on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Sanjay, was intercepted during a routine vehicle checking operation when he attempted to flee, leading to an exchange of fire with the police team.

Sanjay had been on the run for his alleged involvement in a series of chain-snatching incidents in the jurisdiction of Indirapuram police station. Police sources confirmed that he sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter and was immediately taken into custody. The suspect is currently receiving medical treatment under police supervision, and his condition is reported to be stable.

During the operation, police recovered crucial evidence from the accused, including a motorcycle believed to have been used in multiple crimes, a country-made pistol, live cartridges, and stolen valuables. Investigators believe these items will help establish links to several unsolved chain-snatching cases that have plagued the area in recent weeks. The recovered goods are being examined to identify victims and return the stolen property.

The Indirapuram police had declared a reward of twenty-five thousand rupees for information leading to Sanjay's arrest, reflecting the severity of the offences attributed to him. Senior police officials have confirmed that further interrogation is underway to uncover details about his criminal network and identify any potential accomplices. A formal case has been registered, and the accused will face charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act.

The encounter comes as part of an intensified crackdown by Ghaziabad police against street crimes, particularly chain-snatching incidents that have created panic among residents in several neighborhoods across the district.