Wanted Criminal Wounded in Delhi Police Shootout

A 25-year-old fugitive criminal was apprehended following a tense shootout with law enforcement in west Delhi’s Vikaspuri in the early hours of Friday, according to a police official. The suspect, Akash Jha, also known as Monu, sustained injuries during the confrontation and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Authorities noted that Jha has a lengthy criminal record, with ties to multiple cases involving robbery, shootings, and assault.

Jha, a known figure in the criminal underworld, is also wanted in connection to a case filed under the Gunda Act at the Gautam Budh Nagar police station in Uttar Pradesh, the official confirmed. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vichitra Veer revealed that Jha had been arrested previously in a 2024 shooting incident logged at Mayapuri police station. After being released on bail in November last year, he allegedly resumed his illicit activities, roaming the area and attempting to extort money from locals.

Acting on intelligence, police tracked Jha to a hideout in Indira Camp No. 5, Vikaspuri. The operation unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when officers raided the location. During the encounter, Jha reportedly fired at the police team, with one bullet striking an officer’s bulletproof vest. In response, police returned fire in self-defense, wounding Jha in the left leg, the DCP explained.

The injured suspect was immediately taken to Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital, where he remains under medical care. Authorities have launched legal proceedings against him at the Vikaspuri police station, with further investigations ongoing. Jha will face formal arrest once he is discharged from the hospital.