Delhi Police Constable Injured While Apprehending Robbery Suspect

A Delhi Police constable sustained injuries while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect on November 22, 2023, in the Raj Park area of central Delhi. The incident unfolded when the constable, identified as Vikash, was on routine patrol and responded to a report from a rickshaw puller, Md Kamal, who claimed he had just been robbed of Rs 500.

Following Kamal’s report, Vikash accompanied him to the location near Gaushala Road, Ghode Wali Gali, where the rickshaw puller identified the suspect. As Vikash attempted to detain Ritik, the accused pulled out a knife and attacked him, injuring his hand. Despite the injury and bleeding, Vikash managed to overpower Ritik momentarily. However, the suspect inflicted a head injury on himself to evade capture and fled into the crowd.

Vikash quickly alerted the local police station, prompting a search in Ghode Wali Gali and surrounding areas. Based on Kamal’s identification, the police arrested Ritik, a resident of Kishan Ganj, shortly thereafter. Both the constable and the suspect were taken to a hospital for treatment. Medical personnel later recovered the stolen Rs 500 from Ritik’s clothing.

The investigation revealed that the knife used in the attack was located along a nearby railway line, following Ritik’s confession. Police also seized the clothes he wore during the robbery. During questioning, Ritik disclosed that he worked as a labourer and had only completed education up to Class 7. He admitted to developing an addiction to intoxicants, which led him to commit thefts and robberies to fund his habit.

Police records indicate that Ritik has prior criminal cases, including a theft attempt in 2018 and an Arms Act case from earlier this year. He also confessed to committing two additional thefts registered on October 20 and November 4. Authorities have filed a case against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

This incident highlights the risks faced by law enforcement officers while performing their duties, as well as the broader issues related to crime and addiction in urban areas.