FARIDABAD: A history-sheeter wanted in multiple house burglary cases was arrested after being shot in the leg during an exchange of fire with police in Faridabad early on Thursday. The accused, identified as Sonu, allegedly opened fire on a crime branch team of Faridabad police that tried to intercept him, triggering a brief gunfight in which he sustained a bullet injury to his right leg.The encounter took place on the road connecting IMT Faridabad to Machhgar village during a joint operation by the Crime Branch Sector-85 and Crime Branch Central units.A police officer said that police had received specific intelligence that Sonu, who was wanted in several theft cases, would be entering the area. Acting on the tip-off, teams were deployed to keep surveillance in the locality.Police spotted the accused riding a motorcycle and signalled him to stop. During preliminary investigation, it emerged that Sonu was returning to Delhi after meeting a friend in Machhgar village.When the police attempted to intercept him, he allegedly turned his motorcycle around and tried to flee. As officers pursued him, he found himself surrounded and opened fire at the police team. According to the police, the accused fired four rounds at the officers.Police retaliated in self-defence, and during the exchange of fire, a bullet struck Sonu in the right leg, causing him to fall from his motorcycle. He was immediately overpowered and taken into custody.The injured accused was admitted to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Police also recovered a firearm from the spot and have launched a detailed investigation.During questioning, investigators are seeking information about his criminal associates, network and involvement in recent burglary cases.Police said Sonu is a habitual offender wanted in house theft cases registered at Palla police station. He has a long criminal record, with 28 cases registered against him across different locations, including Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The cases include charges under the Gangster Act, attempted murder, theft, robbery and other serious offences.Police believe his arrest could help crack several pending criminal cases. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend his associates.