Greater Noida, June 7 (IANS) Greater Noida witnessed two major police operations in separate areas, leading to the arrest of alleged criminals involved in ATM fraud and chain snatching. In both incidents, police recovered weapons, stolen property, and other incriminating materials, while one accused in each case sustained a leg injury during the encounters.

In the first incident, an encounter took place between police and an alleged gang of ATM fraudsters under the Bisrakh police station limits of Greater Noida. During the exchange, one of the accused was injured after being shot in the leg in retaliatory police action, while two of his associates were arrested on the spot.

According to police officials, the gang had devised a method to target ATM users by deliberately jamming their bank cards inside machines using Fevikwik.

After trapping the cards, the accused would allegedly approach victims while pretending to be helpline representatives. By gaining the trust of the cardholders, they would obtain confidential PIN details and later withdraw money from the victims’ bank accounts.

Police said the operation led to the recovery of an illegal firearm, live cartridges, a stolen motorcycle, equipment allegedly used in carrying out the ATM fraud, and cash suspected to be linked to their activities.

Investigators are now examining the criminal records of the arrested individuals and are also probing their possible involvement in similar incidents reported in other areas.

In another case, Greater Noida’s Beta-2 police apprehended a man accused of repeatedly targeting women in chain-snatching incidents. The accused was injured in the leg during a late-night encounter that took place near Baba Gol Chakkar on Saturday.

Police said the operation was launched after receiving local intelligence inputs. A team from the Beta-2 police station had set up checks on suspicious motorcycle riders in the area. When officers signalled certain suspects to stop for questioning, the accused allegedly opened fire on the police with the intention of evading arrest.

The police responded in self-defence and launched a chase. During the pursuit, one of the suspects sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, while another accomplice managed to flee from the scene. Authorities said continuous combing and search operations are underway to trace and apprehend the absconding suspect.

The injured accused was identified as Rajendra, also known by the aliases Lallu and Lilu. He is a native of Gorakhpur and was reportedly residing in Site-5, Kasna.

During the operation, police recovered an illegal pistol, cartridges, an Apache motorcycle allegedly stolen from the Kasna area, a gold chain believed to have been snatched from a victim, and three mobile phones suspected to be stolen property.

Initial investigations have indicated that Rajendra is a habitual offender with a long criminal record. Police officials stated that more than 28 serious criminal cases are registered against him. He is accused of carrying out armed robberies and snatching valuables from passersby, with women often being his primary targets.

Investigations into both cases are underway.

Further details are awaited.

–IANS

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