Murder accused named in 13 FIRs shot in late-night police encounter

Mahendergarh: A wanted murder accused, named in at least 13 FIRs, was injured in a late-night encounter with the CIA unit of Mahendergarh police in Narnaul, while his two associates were arrested with illegal weapons and ammunition, police said on Thursday.The accused, Sanjay alias Sanjay Kalba, was wanted in a murder case registered in Nangal Chaudhary.Police said the trio was allegedly planning a major criminal operation when they were intercepted during a naka checking drive on the Rewari Road-Nangal Chaudhary road.According to police spokesperson Sumit Kumar, the CIA team had received specific intelligence inputs that Sanjay, along with associates Ghanshyam of Rajasthan's Gopalpura and Aditya of Akbarpur, was moving around armed with illegal weapons.Police said the suspects attempted to flee after being signalled to stop and allegedly tried to ram their vehicle into police personnel before speeding towards the Chinkara Forest near Narnaul.Officials alleged that after being cornered in the forest area, the accused opened fire on the police. Police retaliated after issuing warnings and firing aerial shots.During the exchange of fire, Sanjay sustained a bullet injury in his right leg, while the two other accused were overpowered and arrested.Police recovered a pistol, magazine and live cartridges from the injured accused. A country-made firearm and additional cartridges were seized from the other accused and the vehicle.Sanjay was shifted to the civil hospital in Narnaul for treatment.Police said preliminary investigation showed Sanjay was involved in at least 13 criminal cases in Haryana and Rajasthan, including attempt to murder, illegal possession of arms, assault and intimidation.A fresh FIR has been registered under charges including attempt to murder police personnel, obstruction in discharge of govt duty and provisions of the Arms Act.