Face2News/Chandigarh:
In a major success for Chandigarh Police, three criminals were arrested following an encounter in the forest area near Sector 39 early Wednesday morning. During the exchange of fire, two accused sustained bullet injuries to their legs.
According to police officials, the criminals opened fire on the police team while attempting to flee during a cordon operation. The police retaliated in self-defence, leading to a brief but intense gunfight. Two accused were injured and immediately overpowered, while a third accomplice was also arrested at the spot.
The injured accused have been identified as Rahul and Ricky, while the third arrested accused is Preet, a resident of Zirakpur, who was driving the vehicle used by the gang. Both injured accused were shifted to a hospital for treatment. Police said the arrested criminals were involved in the recent firing incident at a chemist shop in Sector 32, Chandigarh. Acting on a secret tip-off, police tracked their movement in a Punjab-registered taxi near Jiri Mandi, Sector 39. When police attempted to intercept the vehicle, the accused started indiscriminate firing to escape, narrowly missing police personnel.
The injured accused have been identified as Rahul and Ricky, while the third arrested accused is Preet, a resident of Zirakpur, who was driving the vehicle used by the gang. Both injured accused were shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Police said the arrested criminals were involved in the recent firing incident at a chemist shop in Sector 32, Chandigarh. Acting on a secret tip-off, police tracked their movement in a Punjab-registered taxi near Jiri Mandi, Sector 39. When police attempted to intercept the vehicle, the accused started indiscriminate firing to escape, narrowly missing police personnel.
After their arrest, police recovered two pistols, several live cartridges, and seized the vehicle used in the crime. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused are linked to serious criminal activities including extortion, criminal intimidation, conspiracy to murder, and armed robbery.
Police sources further revealed that the gang was planning to carry out another major crime in Chandigarh, targeting a local businessman. The accused had reportedly come from Jalandhar to execute the plan but were apprehended before they could strike.
Notably, the same gang was earlier involved in firing at a property dealer travelling in a Fortuner vehicle in Jalandhar and later attempted a carjacking in Dera Bassi.
The operation was carried out by the Chandigarh Police Crime Branch, and further investigation is underway to verify the complete criminal history of the accused.