Chain snatcher who taunted victims arrested after shootout in Delhi’s Narela

Following a brief exchange of fire, a 22-year-old chain snatcher, who used to mock his victims after committing the crime, was arrested by Delhi Police in the Narela Industrial Area, an official said on Friday.

According to the police, the accused, Aftab Alam, alias Atti, a resident of Bawana, sustained wounds in the firing by the police team.

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“On Thursday night, a Special Staff team received specific information that Aftab was in the area on a black scooter and armed with a firearm,” a senior officer said in his statement.

Acting on the tip-off, the Special Staff team set up a trap near G Block in the Narela Industrial Area. When they spotted the suspect on the black scooter, they moved in to intercept him, the officer mentioned, adding that the suspect opened fire at the police team.

In self-defense, the police team retaliated back at the accused by firing at him, during which a bullet struck his right leg.

“He was taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment,” the officer said.

The officer said that Aftab is involved in more than nine criminal cases, including snatching, robbery, and murder. The officer stated that Aftab was so brazen that he would go as far as mocking his victims after snatching their chains.

In some cases, he would even twirl the stolen chain on his fingertip right in front of the victims. By the time they reacted, he had already fled the scene.

Aftab operated alone at times but also led a gang of snatchers that often clashed with rival criminal groups over territorial control, the officer said.

The police stated that the recovered scooter is being examined to confirm if it is a stolen vehicle. Police said that once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be taken into custody for further questioning.