Hyderabad DCP Chaitanya opens fire during theft attempt in Chaderghat; one suspect injured

Hyderabad: Tense moments unfolded at Chaderghat on Saturday evening when Hyderabad South-East Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) S. Chaitanya Kumar, IPS, opened fire at a mobile snatcher in self-defence to protect his gunman from a knife attack during a chase.

The injured offender, identified as Mohd. Omer Ansari, a habitual offender with multiple cases pending against him, was shifted to hospital. Two of his associates managed to escape from the spot.

Incident near Esamia Bazaar

According to DCP Chaitanya Kumar’s report, the incident took place around 4:45 p.m. when he was returning from a meeting at the Police Commissioner’s office. As his vehicle passed Esamia Bazaar near Koti, the DCP’s driver P. Sandeep (AR PC 12329) spotted a man in an autorickshaw (registration number 9395) snatching a mobile phone from a passerby.

Acting swiftly, the DCP instructed his driver to follow the autorickshaw to intercept the culprits.

Chase through Chaderghat

The autorickshaw was caught in traffic near Chaderghat signal around 4:50 p.m. The DCP directed his gunman AR Head Constable V.S.N. Murthy (9058) to apprehend the suspects, and both officers got down to give chase.

During the confrontation, one of the offenders pushed the officers, causing them to fall and sustain minor injuries. In the scuffle, the constable’s 9mm pistol fell, which the DCP quickly retrieved before resuming the pursuit.

Knife Attack on Gunman

The chase continued into a narrow lane near Victory Playground, where the suspect entered a two-storey house and ran to the terrace in an attempt to escape. When cornered, the accused brandished a knife and tried to stab the constable.

Hearing his subordinate’s cries for help, DCP Chaitanya turned back and fired a warning shot aimed at the suspect’s lower body. Despite being hit, the accused lunged again, forcing the DCP to fire a second round, also aimed low to prevent fatal injury.

Accused Injured, Taken into Custody

Though injured, the suspect jumped from the terrace and tried to flee towards Victory Playground but was quickly apprehended. The DCP and his team shifted him to Care Hospital, Chaderghat, for treatment. The DCP and his gunman were also treated for minor injuries sustained during the chase.

Offender Identified as Repeat Offender

Police later identified the injured man as Mohd. Omer Ansari, a notorious offender with 25 criminal cases registered against him across various police stations. He has been booked twice under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act, once in 2016 by Kamatipura Police and again in 2020 by Hussaini Alam Police.

He had served one-year terms in Chanchalguda Jail on both occasions and is currently listed as a rowdy-sheeter at Kalapathar Police Station.

Legal Action Sought

In his official report, DCP Chaitanya Kumar recommended registering cases against Ansari and his associates for mobile snatching, assault on police officers, and attempt to murder, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The report was typed by SI B. Yellakrishna of Chaderghat Police Station based on the DCP’s dictation.

Commissioner Confirms Self-Defence Firing

Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand Sajjanar, who visited the DCP at the hospital, confirmed that three rounds were fired in self-defence.

“The DCP acted lawfully and in self-defence when the accused attempted to attack his gunman with a knife. His timely intervention prevented a serious incident and ensured public safety,” the Commissioner said.

Senior Officers Visit Scene

Following the incident, senior officers including South Zone DCP Sneha Mehra and Central Zone DCP Shilpavali visited the spot and examined the circumstances surrounding the firing.

Special police teams have been formed to trace the absconding suspects and verify the criminal history of the injured accused. Officials said Ansari remains under police custody at the hospital, and his condition is stable.