Delhi Police successfully arrested two chain snatchers following a shootout in the Dwarka area of southwest Delhi. The accused, Andhir Kumar and Ankush Paswan, were allegedly involved in multiple chain-snatching incidents across Dwarka and West Delhi. Police recovered a pistol, a single-shot firearm, four live cartridges, and a motorcycle used in the crimes.
On February 16, a team received a tip-off about the duo’s movement, as they had recently acquired illegal firearms. The police set up a checkpoint near Kakrola Nala. Upon noticing the suspects on a motorcycle, officers signaled them to stop. However, the suspects attempted to flee, brandishing weapons. Andhir’s weapon malfunctioned, but Ankush fired at the raiding team, narrowly missing a sub-inspector and a head constable. In self-defense, the police fired two rounds, one of which struck Ankush in the leg. Both suspects were arrested, and Ankush was rushed for medical treatment.
The investigation revealed that Andhir and Ankush were behind several chain-snatching incidents. On October 13 last year, the duo committed three snatchings within 30 minutes in Dwarka. Similarly, on February 14, they executed four more snatchings in Subhash Nagar in West Delhi. Ankush, 22, from Uttar Pradesh, is linked to around 12 criminal cases, having stolen 100 mobile phones and 50 chains since 2023. After fleeing to Mumbai and working in a hotel, he returned to Delhi. Andhir, also 22, from Bihar, had worked as a battery rickshaw driver before joining Ankush in committing crimes.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to uncover more details about their criminal activities.
