Kanpur Police Apprehend Second Notorious Robber in Dramatic Encounter
In a significant breakthrough, Kanpur police successfully arrested Dhanaraj, the second key accused involved in a chain snatching incident targeting a retired woman constable. The arrest occurred following an intense encounter near the Bara Sirohi canal in Kanpur during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Details of the Arrest and Criminal Background
DCP (West) SM Qasim Abidi confirmed that the arrested individual, identified as Dhanaraj alias Vijay, is a resident of Shamli and was an accomplice of robber Niyaz Ahmad. Dhanaraj already has a dozen criminal cases registered against him, highlighting his notorious track record in the region.
The chain snatching incident took place 17 days ago, where Dhanaraj and Niyaz Ahmad targeted a retired woman sub-inspector. Police had earlier arrested Niyaz Ahmad during a separate encounter on Dalhan Road in Rawatpur late Wednesday night, and he has since been sent to jail.
Timeline of the Crime and Investigation
On January 8, the criminals snatched a chain from Manjulata Dubey, a retired sub-inspector from CB-CID and wife of deputy jailer Gyanendra Swaroop Dubey. The incident occurred outside her home in Keshavpuram, Rawatpur, after which the perpetrators fled the scene.
To crack the case, seven dedicated police teams were deployed, conducting extensive searches from the police station level to other districts. The investigation leveraged advanced surveillance techniques and tower location assistance to track down the suspects.
Intensive Police Efforts and Previous Arrest
During the investigation, police scrutinised over 1,000 CCTV cameras and interrogated multiple suspects. Their efforts paid off when, during intensive checking late Wednesday night, they arrested Niyaz Ahmad. Originally from Sakraura village in Paschim Karnalganj, Gonda, Niyaz was apprehended on Dalhan Road in Rawatpur, though his two accomplices managed to escape at that time.
The Encounter and Arrest of Dhanaraj
On Sunday, a joint operation by Kalyanpur police and a Crime Branch team led to an encounter with robbers near the Bara Sirohi canal bridge in Kalyanpur. When police stopped a suspicious bike rider during intensive checking, the men on the bike opened fire on the police team. In retaliatory action, one robber was shot in the leg, while his accomplice fled from the spot.
The arrested youth was identified as notorious robber Dhanaraj alias Vijay, a resident of Jhinjhana in Shamli district. Police reported that he confessed to carrying out the robbery incident with robber Niyaz Ahmad, specifically targeting the retired woman. A country-made pistol, cartridges, and the bike used in the robbery were recovered from him.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The injured robber was promptly sent to CHC for medical treatment, and police continued their interrogation to gather further details. This arrest marks a crucial step in ensuring justice for the victim and enhancing public safety in Kanpur.
The diligent efforts of the police force, combined with technological aids and strategic operations, have led to the apprehension of both primary suspects in this case, demonstrating their commitment to combating crime in the city.
