Chain snatcher kills self after firing at policeman

A 25-year-old chain snatcher shot himself dead after firing at police who were chasing him Monday afternoon, police said.

The shooting occurred in Narela area in west Delhi around 2.30 p.m. An injured policeman was admitted to Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra Hospital from where he was referred to Max Hospital. His condition is stated to be critical.

"Kuldeep was spotted moving around suspiciously by constables Satender, Kishore and Prabhat in Narela. When they tried to apprehend him, he fled on a stolen motorcycle," said Sanjay Kumar, additional commissioner of police.

"A few hours earlier, Kuldeep had snatched a gold chain from a scooterist. When the constables intercepted him, he abandoned his motorcycle and fled on foot," Kumar said.

While fleeing, he shot Satender in his neck. The policeman was rushed to hospital.

Kuldeep ran into a dilapidated Delhi Development Authority (DDA) flat nearby. He fired twice at constable Kishore, who called for reinforcements. When Kuldeep realised he was surrounded, he came out of the flat and shot himself in his head. He died on the spot, according to Kumar.

Police said Kuldeep had nine cases registered against him.