Kanpur: A man allegedly involved in transformer equipment and electricity wire thefts was arrested after a police encounter near Nibia village late on Sunday, while his accomplice fled. Police also seized a country-made pistol and cartridges from him.DCP (South) Deependranath Chaudhary said several incidents of transformer equipment theft and electricity wire cutting had recently been reported in the Ghatampur circle. Following instructions from senior officers, police had intensified vehicle checking and night patrolling in the area.During a checking drive near Nibia village, police spotted a vehicle approaching and signalled it to stop. However, the two occupants abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee while firing at the police team. Police retaliated, hitting one of the accused in the leg. He fell to the ground and was arrested, while the other managed to escape.The injured accused was identified as Pawan, a habitual criminal with around 10 cases registered against him, including robbery, dacoity, theft and electricity wire theft. He had recently been released from jail.Preliminary investigation suggested that Pawan’s gang had been operating in the area and carrying out electricity wire thefts, Chaudhary said.Three police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the absconding accomplice. The police team involved in the operation has been awarded a cash reward of Rs 25,000.
