New Delhi: A late-night encounter between criminals and the police in the Paharganj area of Delhi caused a stir. The Special Staff team of the Central District arrested two alleged miscreants involved in a shooting incident following the encounter. The accused have been identified as Akash alias Matthi (27) and Mukesh alias Chinu (35). According to the police, the duo fired four rounds as soon as they spotted the police team. In retaliation, the police fired three rounds. During the encounter, both accused sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and were subsequently taken to the hospital.
During a press conference at the Delhi Police Headquarters, Joint CP (Central Range) Madhur Verma stated that the operation took place in the Paharganj police station area, on the road leading from Chelmsford Road to Reservation Road, near Gate No. 2 of Karnail Singh Stadium. The police recovered two illegal firearms, four live cartridges, and a stolen motorcycle from the possession of the accused.
Search began following a shooting during a procession
The story of the case began on September 13, 2026, when a shooting incident occurred during a procession for Baba Ramdev Ji in the Sadar Bazar police station area. Preliminary investigations revealed a dispute between two rival factions. According to the police, members of the Vikas Kalia gang allegedly opened fire near Ram Kumar Marg in Motia Khan. Three to four rounds were reportedly fired, resulting in a bullet injury to the left hand of a person present in the procession. A case was registered at the Sadar Bazar police station on September 15, and an investigation was launched. A special staff team from the Central District was constituted to track down the accused. A team led by Inspector Sandeep Yadav initiated technical surveillance and began gathering ground-level intelligence.
Intelligence tip-off reveals hideout
According to the police, the alleged involvement of Akash (alias Matthi) and Mukesh (alias Chinu) emerged during the ongoing investigation. Subsequently, their activities were monitored. On September 28, the police received information that the duo was expected to arrive in the Paharganj area on a stolen motorcycle and might be armed. Acting on this tip-off, the police team laid a trap near Karnail Singh Stadium. Shortly after, two suspects were spotted approaching on a motorcycle. An informant identified them as Akash and Mukesh. According to the police, the duo opened fire as soon as they saw the team.
One bullet grazed the head; another hit a bulletproof jacket
Central District DCP Rohit Rajveer Singh stated that a total of four rounds were fired by the accused. One bullet narrowly missed Head Constable Mohit’s head, while another struck the bulletproof jacket worn by Head Constable Rajveer. The police team retaliated by firing three rounds. During the exchange, Akash was shot in the right leg and Mukesh in the left leg. Both were overpowered, arrested, and sent to the hospital under police supervision.
Weapons, ammunition, and stolen bike recovered
During the search, the police recovered a pistol with two live cartridges and a country-made pistol with two live cartridges. Additionally, a stolen motorcycle was seized. According to the police, the motorcycle was confirmed to be stolen based on a case registered on August 31, 2026.
Alleged criminal records: 13 cases against Akash, 7 against Mukesh
According to the police, Akash (alias Matthi) has previously been involved in 13 criminal cases. These include offences related to robbery, the Arms Act, snatching, and theft. Meanwhile, seven criminal cases are reportedly registered against Mukesh, alias Chinu, including charges of attempted murder, culpable homicide, robbery, snatching, and theft. Based on the interrogation of both accused, the police claim to have solved four cases, including a shooting incident, two house burglaries, and a motorcycle theft. According to the police, interrogation is ongoing, and further legal action is being taken.
