Even petty criminals seem to be getting daring with law enforcers these days. A chain-snatcher fired at a beat constable in Mayur Vihar on Saturday afternoon when the policeman tried to stop him from stealing a woman’s chain.
A case of attempt to murder has been registered against the snatcher, who was arrested while his accomplice managed to escape. The constable has been admitted to hospital.
“The constable was shot in his left hand while trying to stop a chain-snatching. The two men were on a motorcycle and the pillion rider fired while grappling. The identity of the criminal can’t be disclosed until investigations are over. He is a habitual offender and was active in east Delhi,” said DCP (East) Ajay Kumar.
At 2:15 pm, Constable Sandeep, posted with Pandav Nagar Police Station was patrolling near Acharya Niketan when he heard a commotion. Seeing the duo robbing the woman, he tried to intercept them.
The pillion rider threatened to fire if the policeman didn’t move but Constable Sandeep didn’t give it a second thought. After the shooting, one criminal escaped while the other was beaten up by bystanders and handed over to the police.
The snatcher has been involved in dozens of cases of snatching. In fact, the constable was on patrol after many complaints were received from the area.
Kumar said the constable’s bravery helped the police nab the accused, who is a resident of Bijnore district of Uttar Pradesh.