Ghaziabad: Murder accused wanted in Rs 20 dispute shot in leg, arrested after encounter

Ghaziabad, Aug 20 (AHN) A man wanted in connection with a murder triggered by a dispute over Rs 20 was arrested after a police encounter in the Shalimar Garden area of Ghaziabad on Thursday. The accused sustained a gunshot injury to his leg during retaliatory firing by the police.

Police said they recovered an illegal .315 bore country-made pistol, a live cartridge, a spent cartridge case and a stolen motorcycle from the accused. The operation was carried out by a team from Shalimar Garden police station.

According to police, the case stems from a stabbing incident reported in Vikram Enclave on Wednesday (August 19). A 23-year-old man was allegedly stabbed by Sameer, alias Guddu, following a dispute over Rs 20. The victim was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the victim's death, police launched a search operation to trace and arrest the accused.

On August 20, Shalimar Garden police received information that the wanted accused was present in the area. Acting on the tip-off, a police team intensified checking and launched a search operation.

During the operation, police spotted a suspicious man approaching from the DLF Road side on a KTM motorcycle. When the police signalled him to stop, he allegedly turned the motorcycle around and attempted to escape through a deserted lane near the telephone exchange.

Police personnel chased the accused and attempted to intercept him. According to police, when he realised that he was being surrounded, the accused allegedly opened fire at the police team and attempted to flee.

The police retaliated, during which the accused sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg. He was subsequently apprehended and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The arrested man has been identified as Sameer, alias Guddu, son of Ehsan and a resident of Seemapuri in Delhi.

Police said the .315 bore country-made pistol recovered from his possession was illegal. One live cartridge and one spent cartridge case were also seized, along with the motorcycle, which was found to have been stolen.

According to police records, three cases have been registered against the accused at Shalimar Garden police station. The cases include allegations related to attempted murder, illegal possession of arms, murder, an encounter with police and vehicle theft.

Police said further legal proceedings are underway and the matter is being investigated.