Lucknow: A chain-snatcher, who targeted school teachers during daytime, was arrested after an encounter with police in Vrindavan Yojana on Monday.Accused Arjun Rawat alias Gangadhar, 25, of Aashiana, allegedly opened fire on a police team near Barouli culvert in Vrindavan Yojana. Later, in a retaliatory firing by the police he sustained bullet injuries in his leg and was admitted to a nearby hospital.DCP, south zone, Nipun Agarwal said that Rawat was involved in over six cases. Investigations revealed that he targeted women, including school teachers returning home in the afternoon, identifying relatively isolated stretches for quick strikes. The police said the accused used to conduct recce of target areas by setting up a temporary ice-cream cart, allowing him to observe movement patterns and identify vulnerable victims. The arrest led to the detection of a mobile snatching case reported on March 22 by Preeti Singh, a resident of Ashiana, whose phone was snatched late at night by a biker. Acting on CCTV analysis, technical surveillance and informer inputs, police tracked the accused and laid a trap. When intercepted, Rawat fired at the police, prompting retaliatory action.The stolen mobile phone, a handset, a bike without a number plate used in the crime, a .315 bore country-made pistol, live cartridges, and Rs1,165 cash were recovered from him.“The accused confessed to committing crimes to fund a lifestyle driven by show-off and material comforts,” added DCP Agarwal.Multiple cases have been registered against him under BNS and Arms Act
