Rs 25,000 bounty criminal who escaped from UP jail shot in leg during encounter | Gurgaon News – The Times of India

GURGAON: A 24-year-old wanted criminal carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, who had escaped from jail in Uttar Pradesh last month, was shot in the leg and arrested after an exchange of fire with the Crime Branch team in Manesar late Thursday night.The accused, identified as Ankit Kumar alias Gudda, a resident of Hajurapur in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh and currently staying in Khoh village in Gurgaon, had escaped from jail in Kannauj in January 2026. He was wanted in a case under the Arms Act, and Uttar Pradesh Police had announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for his arrest.According to police, on the intervening night of February 26 and 27, Sub-Inspector Manoj Kumar, in-charge of Crime Branch Manesar, received specific information that the accused was riding towards Khoh Kasan from Pachgaon Chowk on a motorcycle and was carrying illegal weapons.Acting on the tip-off, the Crime Branch team informed senior officers and set up a blockade near Golu Hotel at Pachgaon Chowk on the road leading to Kasan village. After some time, a motorcyclist was seen approaching the checkpoint. “When signalled to stop, the rider allegedly abandoned the bike and attempted to flee while opening fire at the police team. One of the bullets struck a cop’s bulletproof jacket. Despite being warned to surrender, the accused continued firing, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defence”, Sandeep Turan, Gurgaon police spokesman said. During the exchange, one bullet hit the accused in the leg, following which he fell and was overpowered.A total of five rounds were fired during the encounter — three by the accused and two by the police.The injured accused was admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Officials from Manesar police station, along with crime scene and fingerprint teams, inspected the spot.Police recovered one motorcycle, a pistol, one live cartridge and five empty shell cartridges from the scene.A fresh case of attempt to murder has been registered against the accused at Manesar police station for firing at the cops hete.Police said a review of his criminal record revealed that six cases, including theft, robbery and offences under the Arms Act, were previously registered against him in Uttar Pradesh.“After being discharged from the hospital, the accused will be formally arrested in the present case and interrogated. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, which is ongoing”, Sandeep added.