Lucknow: A suspected mobile snatcher was injured in a police encounter in Lucknow after he allegedly opened fire on a police team attempting to arrest him in connection with a recent snatching incident in the Ashiyana area.
According to police officials, the case was registered following a complaint by Preeti Singh, a resident of Bhaduruk under Ashiyana police station limits. In her written complaint, she stated that on March 20, between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, she was walking near a car showroom in Bangla Bazaar while talking on her mobile phone when an unidentified person on a motorcycle snatched her phone and fled towards Telibagh crossing.
To crack the case, police formed two teams and scanned around 40–50 CCTV cameras in the area. Based on the footage and subsequent investigation, the accused was identified as Arjun Rawat alias Gangadhar (25), a resident of Kila Mohammadnagar under Ashiyana police station.
Acting on a tip-off, police received information that the accused was moving from Savai towards Kalindi. A team immediately set up a cordon near Sector-15 Canal Road. On spotting the police, the accused allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire using a country-made pistol. In retaliation and self-defense, the police fired back, injuring him in the left leg.
The injured accused was taken into custody and rushed to the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGI) Trauma Centre, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Police recovered the snatched Realme mobile phone, a Bajaj Pulsar 125cc motorcycle without a number plate used in the crime, a .315 bore country-made firearm, live cartridges, empty shells, and ₹1,200 in cash from the आरोपी.
Officials confirmed that the accused has a criminal history with multiple cases registered against him under various sections, including theft, robbery, and provisions of the Gangster Act. A fresh case related to the encounter is also being registered, and further legal proceedings are underway.
Police officials stated that intensified surveillance and prompt action helped in the swift resolution of the case, ensuring the safety of citizens in the area.
