Cops, robbers exchange fire in Pul Prahladpur

Nearly 20 rounds of bullets were exchanged between a team of Delhi Police and a group of robbers on Friday, after the latter were intercepted while they were on their way to rob a south Delhi-based factory contractor, who was reported to have cash in Rs 100 notes.

The robbers were intercepted near a border post in south-east Delhi's Pul Prahladpur area. "The accused were identified as Sunil, 30, Manish alias Rahul, 23, Goverdhan Vishwakarma, 26, and Krishan Kumar alias Langra, 30.

They were arrested after an encounter with the police team. Two country-made pistols, two cars, mobile phones and eight live cartridges were recovered from their possession," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (south-east ) Romil Baaniya.

Keeping in mind the sensitivity of 'pay day' in the industrial areas of south-east Delhi, especially after demonetization, the Delhi Police had made elaborate arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents. They received the information about the movement of the robbers, who were planning to rob a factory contractor, on Thursday night.

Accordingly, a trap was laid near the Vishwa Karma Colony. The police team then spotted a Maruti car and a Honda City car, with their number plates smudged with mud, followed by a motorcycle. When the cops tried to intercept these vehicles, one of the Maruti occupants came out and started firing at the police team.

The occupants of the Honda City also came out and opened fire. Meanwhile, using a truck that was passing by as cover, the driver of the Honda City managed to flee. The police team, however, overpowered the Maruti driver, later identified as Krishan. Another accused Goverdhan was injured in the eye while coming out of the rear side, and was overpowered as well. Manish hid himself under a car but was arrested later during a search operation.

The mastermind of the dacoity is currently absconding. The owner of the car in which the accused were travelling has been detained and is being questioned regarding his role.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act. A manhunt has been launched to nab the absconding accused. Further investigation is underway.