Ghaziabad, June 6 (IANS) A police encounter took place in the jurisdiction of the Loni police station in Ghaziabad district, during which a criminal carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head was injured and arrested. The accused, identified as Gaurav, sustained gunshot wounds to both legs and was later admitted to a district hospital for treatment.

According to police officials, the Loni police received information that Gaurav, who was wanted in connection with the kidnapping of Omkar Singh, a resident of Ganoli village, on May 30, was heading towards Nithaura Road. Acting on the tip-off, a police team set up a checkpoint near the Nithaura underpass to intercept him.

During the operation, the police spotted a motorcyclist approaching from the Nithora side. Despite being signalled to stop, the rider ignored the instructions and attempted to flee. The police team immediately began pursuing him.

While trying to escape, the motorcycle reportedly skidded, causing the accused to fall. According to the police, Gaurav then opened fire on the police personnel with the intention of killing them. In response, the police retaliated in self-defence. During the exchange of fire, Gaurav sustained bullet injuries to both legs and was subsequently taken into custody.

Following his arrest, he was shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. During questioning, Gaurav allegedly confessed that he and his associates had kidnapped and murdered Omkar Singh. He further claimed that the victim’s body was dumped in the Ganganagar area on the Rohta-Meerut Road.

Police said a case related to the kidnapping and murder has been registered at the Loni police station, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused involved in the crime.

A motorcycle, a country-made pistol, one live cartridge and one spent cartridge case were recovered from Gaurav’s possession during the operation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Siddharth Gautam said that a case regarding the kidnapping of Omkar Singh had been registered on May 30 and that police teams had been actively searching for all those involved. He added that information received on June 6 led to the operation near the Nithaura underpass.

The ACP said the accused attempted to escape and later fired at the police party. The police responded in self-defence, resulting in injuries to the accused, who was subsequently arrested and sent for treatment.

–IANS

jk/rad