R K Singh (63), a Noida resident who owns a perfume shop in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, was heading home from work around 9 pm on Friday in his car. He took a detour since he wanted to stop at a CNG station to refuel his WagonR. He was near Pragati Maidan when he realised that he was being chased. A biker allegedly tried to intercept him, but Singh reversed his car in a bid to escape. Another biker then fired a round at him. The car window was closed but a bullet smashed it and Singh was injured in the stomach. However, he managed to evade the attackers, who allegedly wanted to rob the cash he was carrying. He then called a relative and handed him the cash before heading to Safdarjung Hospital. Hours after the incident, a 21-year-old man was arrested. He was identified as Govind, who had been working at Singh's shop for nearly a year. A juvenile was apprehended along with him. At least four people were allegedly involved in the incident, said police, adding that a search is on for two more accused. The robbery was allegedly plotted by Govind. According to officers, a call was received from Safdarjung Hospital around 10 pm on Friday, informing the police about a man being admitted with a bullet injury. While Singh is out of danger, an FIR under sections of attempt to murder and the Arms Act has been registered at Tilak Marg police station, said officers. Devesh Mahla, DCP, New Delhi, said, “In less than 24 hours, the case was solved and the accused, identified as Prashant alias Govind, was arrested, and a juvenile was apprehended. Singh runs a perfume shop in Tilak Bazar of Chandni Chowk. He said he did not have much cash, approximately Rs 4-5 lakh, but nothing was robbed in the incident”. Mahla further added that 35 police officers were deployed to crack the case. “It was also a difficult day with multiple VVIP routes to be taken care of. Still, the teams worked hard and proved their mettle,” he said. Motorcycles and a pistol used in the incident are yet to be recovered, said police.
