In a dramatic encounter following a brief exchange of gunfire, the Delhi Police apprehended two members of the Irani Gang who had travelled from Bhopal to Delhi with the intent to commit robberies, officials said on Saturday.
The accused, identified as Murtaza Ali alias Damar (38) and Siraj Ali (40), sustained bullet injuries to their left legs during the encounter and were subsequently taken to Safdarjung Hospital for medical treatment, the police said.
Acting on a tip-off, a police team laid a trap near the Meerut Expressway T-point, opposite Indraprastha Park. Around 12:30 a.m., the suspects were intercepted while riding a motorcycle.
“When they were signalled to stop by the police team, they opened fire instead of surrendering. In self-defence, our team returned fire, during which both suspects sustained bullet injuries to their legs,” a senior police officer stated.
A total of seven rounds were fired during the shootout—four by the accused and three by the police. The duo was overpowered and rushed to the hospital following the exchange of fire.
During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they had travelled from Bhopal to Delhi with plans to carry out a series of robberies along with their associates. Efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the remaining gang members.
The crime team, along with forensic experts, inspected the scene. A case has been registered at the Sunlight Colony Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.
Murtaza Ali has a significant criminal history, with 46 cases of robbery, dacoity, and theft registered against him across Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. He was last released from prison a year ago.
Siraj Ali, who previously worked as a street vendor selling belts and perfumes, also has a prior case registered under the Arms Act in Bhopal, according to police.
Police recovered two pistols, six live cartridges, a stolen Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle, and seven empty shells from the crime scene.
“Constable Rajender, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, escaped unhurt after one of the bullets fired by the accused struck his jacket,” the officer added.