Gurumurthy alias Balla (24), allegedly involved in several heinous crimes, was injured on the thigh when the police shot him in Peenya here in what they claim was self-defence early Thursday.
Balla faces 15 cases, including attempt to murder, extortion, threatening and robbery, in various police stations in the city.
‘Self-defence'
Officials of the Organised Crime Wing (OCW) of Central Crime Branch (CCB) said they shot him “in self defence” when he allegedly attacked two police officials with a sharp weapon around 12.15 a.m. on 2nd Main of Peenya 2nd Stage in the Rajagopalanagar police station limits.
The bullet hit him on the thigh and he collapsed on the road. The police took him to the Victoria Hospital where the bullet was removed after surgery.
Balla is implicated in the murder of Kathriguppe Linga of Banashankari, who also had criminal antecedents. An OCW officer said he planned the hit and went underground thereafter.
OCW officials, who were keeping a tab on Balla's movements for the past three days, tried to nab him in Kamakshipalya around 9.45 p.m. on Wednesday but failed as he was roaming around public places. Around 12.15 a.m. on Thursday, they intercepted his car in Peenya and ordered him to surrender.
“Instead, Balla got out of the vehicle and attacked constable Mahadeva and Inspector Raviprakash with a weapon. In turn, the police officials opened fire in self-defence. Mr. Mahadeva and Mr. Raviprakash sustained injuries and were admitted to the Victoria Hospital,” an officer said.
