New Delhi, Aug 4 : The Outer North District Police have arrested an alleged active member of the Neeraj Bawana/Naveen Bali gang following an encounter on GTK Road to Hiranki Pushta Road, officials said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Savinder alias Baba alias Pagal, was injured during the exchange of fire and has been taken into custody.

According to a press note issued by the Delhi Police, the operation was carried out late on August 3 at around 10 p.m. by teams of the Special Staff and Alipur Police Station following specific intelligence inputs about the accusedâ??s movement.

The police said Savinder, aged 36, was a key associate of the gang and had allegedly been involved in extortion activities targeting businessmen and property dealers in the Alipur and Narela areas. Due to fear of retaliation, many victims were reportedly reluctant to approach the police, officials said.

The police team laid a trap on the route from GTK Road to Hiranki Pushta Road to apprehend the accused. As per the police statement, when Savinder was intercepted and asked to surrender, he allegedly opened fire at the police personnel.

â??The moment the accused was intercepted and asked to surrender, he resorted to violence and fired indiscriminately at the police party,â?? the Delhi Police said in its statement.

During the exchange of fire, Sub-Inspector Vishal narrowly escaped injury after a bullet hit his bulletproof jacket, police said. The team retaliated in self-defence, following which the accused sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg and was overpowered. No police personnel were injured in the incident.

The accused was immediately provided medical assistance and was first taken to Raja Harishchandra Hospital before being shifted to LNJP Hospital. Police said he is currently stable and conscious.

The police recovered one pistol, three live 7.65mm cartridges, three empty 7.65mm rounds, and two empty 9mm rounds from his possession.

According to the police, Savinder has a criminal record involving six FIRs, including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, assault, and violations under the Arms Act. He was also allegedly involved in threatening businessmen in the area.

The Delhi Police said the arrest has dealt a major setback to the activities of the Neeraj Bawana/Naveen Bali gang in Outer North Delhi and is expected to provide relief to the local business community.

â??Delhi Police remain committed to maintaining law and order and will continue to take strict action against such anti-social elements,â?? the statement said.

Further investigation and legal proceedings are underway, police added.

/IANS