The wanted criminal, Akashdeep alias Akash, sustained a gunshot injury during an encounter with the police in Amritsar and was subsequently arrested and taken to hospital for treatment, officials said.The encounter took place when a police team intercepted him following intelligence inputs about his movements.Amritsar Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said the accused was involved in several serious criminal cases and was allegedly conspiring with his associates to free a jailed criminal by attacking the police team escorting him.According to Commissioner Gill, Akashdeep is a resident of Qadian in the Batala police district and is wanted in seven criminal cases registered at different police stations. He had also been declared a proclaimed offender by the court.

The accused was allegedly involved in the robbery of approximately Rs 2.5 lakh from a money exchanger's shop in Batala, where he and his associates had reportedly carried out the crime at gunpoint.Revealing details of the alleged conspiracy, Gill said Akashdeep and his associates were planning to facilitate the escape of a criminal identified as Angrez, who is currently lodged in jail and faces more than 15 serious criminal cases. These include cases linked to the Bhola murder and Kot Khalsa murder.The Commissioner said the gang had allegedly planned to attack the police escort team transporting Angrez, either while he was being taken to court or by creating an opportunity during a roadside halt.The associates were reportedly considering stopping the police vehicle on the pretext of a birthday celebration or at an eatery before launching an attack and helping the prisoner escape.However, the police foiled the alleged plan after receiving intelligence inputs and tracking the suspects through human intelligence and technical surveillance, including CCTV footage.Gill said police teams had been monitoring the movements and routes of the suspects before intercepting them.Recounting the sequence of events during the encounter, the Commissioner said the police team signalled Akashdeep to stop when they cornered him.Instead of surrendering, the accused allegedly opened fire at the police personnel.

Despite being warned to surrender, he fired two rounds at the team, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defence.The police fired two controlled rounds, one of which hit Akashdeep in the leg. He fell following the gunshot injury and was subsequently overpowered and taken into custody.

He was later shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.ARMS RECOVEREDA .30-bore pistol, two empty cartridges, three live cartridges and a scooter were recovered from the spot. The scooter carries an Amritsar registration number, and the police are investigating whether it was stolen or obtained through other means.Gill further said four other members of the gang had been identified and efforts were underway to arrest them.Police teams are conducting raids at multiple locations to trace the absconding suspects.The police are expected to question Akashdeep further to establish the extent of the gang's criminal activities, verify the alleged escape conspiracy and ascertain the role of other members.The investigation will also focus on the weapon and scooter recovered during the operation, while efforts to apprehend the remaining four accused continue.- Ends