NOIDA: Two individuals suspected of being involved in a recent car theft were apprehended after exchanging gunfire with the Noida police on Friday, according to officials.
During the encounter near Sector 135, within the jurisdiction of the Expressway police station, one of the suspects, who has 31 criminal cases against him, sustained gunshot injuries.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Noida) Shakti Mohan Avasthy stated that the pair was allegedly connected to the theft of a Maruti Alto car on October 18 in the same police station area.
Early on Friday, the police established a checkpoint where they intercepted a Maruti Alto car lacking a license plate. Instead of stopping for questioning, the car sped away, leading to a pursuit by the police.
During the pursuit, the car's occupants opened fire at the police with the intention to harm them. In response, the police also returned fire, resulting in one of the suspects sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. He was apprehended, while his accomplice initially managed to escape but was later arrested during a search operation.
The individuals in custody have been identified as Mohit Chauhan, also known as Lahiri, and Mushtaq Khan. Chauhan, the one injured by the gunshot, has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Avasthy revealed that Chauhan has a criminal record with 31 cases against him, including one under the Gangsters Act, registered at various police stations in Uttar Pradesh. Khan has been booked around a dozen times for various offenses.
The police have impounded the stolen car and seized an illegal homemade firearm along with some ammunition from the possession of the two suspects.
A new First Information Report (FIR) is being filed against them, and further legal procedures will be carried out.
(With agency inputs)
