Two chain-snatchers shot in legs after firing on police in Ghaziabad encounter

Two alleged chain-snatchers were injured in a police encounter in Ghaziabad's Nandgram area on Sunday after they opened fire on a police team during a routine check. Both suspects were shot in the leg during the exchange and were later heard pleading for mercy, saying "Sir, forgive us, we made a mistake."

According to police, the SWAT and surveillance team of the city zone along with Nandgram police received specific intelligence that two accused involved in previous chain-snatching incidents were roaming in the Nandgram jurisdiction and planning to commit another crime. Acting on the tip-off, police set up a checking point at Morti Tiraha.

During the checking operation, police spotted a motorcycle without a number plate approaching the checkpoint. When officers signaled the riders to stop, the two suspects tried to flee and opened fire at the police team. In retaliatory firing in self-defense, both accused were shot in the leg. They have been identified as Arif and Zubair.

Police recovered incriminating evidence from the suspects including two gold biscuits, two country-made pistols, live cartridges, and empty shells. Both accused have previous criminal records and were involved in multiple robbery and chain-snatching cases. Police are currently investigating their complete criminal history to establish links with other unsolved cases in the area.

The injured suspects were immediately rushed to the district hospital for medical treatment. Police have registered a case and further legal proceedings are underway. The encounter highlights the increasing incidents of chain-snatching in the region and police efforts to crack down on such crimes.