New Delhi, Jun 23 (IANS): The police here on Tuesday claimed to have arrested a 36-year-old wanted criminal, booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), after a brief exchange of fire.

He has been identified as Rashid alias Sibbu Khan alias Monis, a resident of Khajuri Khas in the national capital. He was involved in over 25 cases of snatching, robbery, attempt to murder and under the Arms Act.

According to a tip-off, Rashid, wanted in a case under the MCOCA at Khajuri Khas police station, was to visit Loni in Ghaziabad via pusta road, Gandhi Nagar. A police team reached pusta road and started checking suspicious vehicles and person near the Geeta Colony flyover. A trap was also laid near Thokar No. 17.

When Rashid was asked to stop he opened fire at the police party. The police retaliated. In the exchange of fire he sustained bullet injury on his right leg below knee, said Amit Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shahdra.

The police seized one motorcycle, one country-made pistol with three live cartridges, 9 fired cartridges from the spot, and 18 live cartridges from Rashid's pocket, the DCP added.