Noida: A suspected vehicle thief was injured in a gunfight with police and his juvenile accomplice was also detained on Tuesday. Police said the duo had recently stolen a car near GIP Mall and a motorcycle from Atta Market.According to additional DCP Manisha Singh, cops were conducting routine vehicle checks near GIP Mall when a white Maruti Swift Dzire approached and was asked to stop. The driver fled towards Sadarpur, prompting a police chase.The suspects allegedly abandoned the car near the forest area in Sector 42 and attempted to escape on foot. The main accused, Bhanu (22), allegedly opened fire at cops and sustained a bullet wound to the leg during retaliatory firing before being taken into custody. Cops also detained his juvenile accomplice.Police seized a country-made pistol, one spent cartridge and a live round from Bhanu, while his accomplice was allegedly carrying an illegal knife. Officers also recovered a stolen Hero Splendor motorcycle that did not have a number plate.The Swift Dzire recovered from the accused was stolen from near GIP Mall on July 6, while the motorcycle was allegedly stolen from Atta Market two days earlier. The accused are being questioned about their possible involvement in other vehicle theft cases reported in the city.Assistant Commissioner of Police Praveen Singh said Bhanu had at least six criminal cases registered against him, including cases related to vehicle theft, criminal conspiracy and offences under the Arms Act. Cops suspect he is linked to an active vehicle theft syndicate and are searching for other members of the network. He is believed to have been involved in 50 vehicle thefts, police added.Bhanu has been arrested and sent to jail on multiple occasions. CCTV footage also captured him during the commission of one of the recent thefts.A fresh FIR has been registered against him under BNS sections for attempted murder, vehicle theft and sections under the Arms Act following Tuesday’s arrest.
