Vehicle thief shot in police encounter after opening fire in Uttar Pradesh

A vehicle thief was injured and arrested following a police encounter in Sikandarabad area of Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh after he opened fire on a police team during a routine vehicle checking operation.

Police were conducting checks on suspicious vehicles near Bambay on Nizampur Road when a suspect driving an Ertiga car attempted to flee upon spotting the police team. Officers gave chase and pursued the vehicle to a point ahead of Sherpur, where the car got stuck on the road.

Finding himself surrounded from all sides, the accused opened fire on the police team. Officers responded in self-defence with retaliatory firing. A bullet struck the suspect in his leg during the exchange of fire.

The injured accused has been identified as Ranjit, a resident of Faridabad in Haryana. Police recovered a .315 bore country-made pistol, empty shells, live cartridges and the Ertiga car from his possession. Officers also seized ACMs (auto-electrical control modules) of two stolen trucks that were found with him.

According to police, Ranjit is a notorious vehicle thief with multiple cases registered against him across several districts. These cases include charges of theft, robbery and violations under the Arms Act.

Circle Officer Sikandarabad Deepak Kumar confirmed the incident.

The encounter took place when the police team, including SWAT personnel, was conducting routine vehicle checks in the Sikandarabad area. The accused attempted to speed away in his car the moment he noticed the police presence. When cornered after his vehicle became trapped, he resorted to firing at the police team, leading to the retaliatory action that left him with a leg injury and resulted in his arrest.