New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS): Delhi Police on Sunday claimed to have arrested a gangster who was wanted in 52 cases and also carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head.

The gangster -- Amit Kumar, a resident of Nand Nagri of east Delhi -- was an active member of Satyaprakash or Sattey gang.

He was arrested from Pandav Nagar area of east Delhi in the early hours on Sunday, police said.

"He was wanted in several cases of murder, attempt to murder, snatching, auto theft, robbery and arms act," Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Pal told reporters.

"When police tried to arrest him, he opened fire at them," the officer said, adding: "The officers were wearing bullet proof jackets due to which they survived."

Police also recovered a pistol with three live cartridges from his possession.

According to police, Amit Kumar was wanted in a sensational case of murder of another gangster Sonu. He killed Sonu due to inter-gang rivalry.

Pal further said that he had earlier also opened fire at a police party in December last year while he was being chased.

"His previous involvements included 30 cases of snatching, six cases of robbery, five cases of auto-lifting, two cases of murder, attempt to murder and possession of drugs and narcotic substances," Pal added.