In a pre-dawn encounter on Friday, police shot at a notorious rowdy and injured his left leg in the Banaswadi police limits.

Syed Rahil, 27, a resident of Noor Nagar near Hegde Nagar and a rowdy-sheeter in the Kadugondanahalli police dossiers, was shifted to Dr B R Ambedkar Medical College after he sustained two bullet injuries in his leg. He is said to be out of danger. A police constable was also injured when Rahil allegedly attacked him with a knife in an attempt to escape.

Rahil, wanted in 22 cases, was allegedly involved in three attempts to murder, three attempts to commit armed robberies, three extortions, two assaults against a KSRTC staff and a traffic policeman, respectively, and seven riots.

How did it take place?

When Rahil’s rowdy activities grew to threatening proportions in and around Nehrunagar Road, the police intensified the hunt for him. Early on Friday morning, Banaswadi police inspector T Rangappa received a tip about Rahil’s presence in Kacharakanahalli area.

Rangappa and KG Halli police inspector Siddappa intercepted Rahil on Nehrunagar Road around 5 pm. They stopped him on a pavement and directed him to surrender. While constables Balaji and Mahesh surrounded him, Rahil whipped out a knife and threatened to kill them. He attacked Balaji with the knife and injured him on his left shoulder when the cop tried to take him into custody.

Perceiving a threat, Rangappa opened two rounds of fire from his service revolver and shot at Rahil in his left leg. Rahil and Balaji were immediately rushed to hospital.

Rahil’s background

According to police, Rahil entered the world of crimes in 2007 and operated in KG Halli, DJ Halli and Banaswadi areas. He always drove his vehicle at break-neck speed and picked quarrels with people without a reason.

He caused accidents to rob drivers and targeted private financiers. He also victimised women for jewellery and assaulted traffic police on duty. He hatched conspiracies to settle scores with his rivals. He terrorised residents in KG Halli, DJ Halli, Hennur and Banaswadi areas. He came out of jail and indulged in rowdy activities. He allegedly threatened Satish Kumar on Wednesday at 1.30 pm when the latter was riding his bike near Banaswadi railway station, robbed him of Rs 25,000 and fled.

Rahil said he lived alone in Bangalore as his parents worked in the Gulf. He also confessed to his involvement in at least five criminal cases and denied that he operated with a gang.

Policemen deployed at the hospital said Rahil had not even sustained a bone fracture and that he would be able to lead a normal life once he recovered.

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