India: Robber tries to avoid arrest by throwing chilli powder at police in Delhi

A man has been arrested in India for allegedly being involved in several robbery cases in the city of Delhi. At the time of his arrest, the accused tried to flee by throwing chilli powder at police officials, but he was caught, as per local media reports.

The incident occurred while police were patrolling Delhi’s Sarai Rohilla area and tried to arrest the man.

Sonu, the accused, was allegedly involved in two burglary cases in Geeta Colony and Sunlight Colony earlier. He is also allegedly involved in two cases of obstructing public servants while performing duties, Indian media reported.

Police also said that the accused belonged to a gang.

Tweeting about the arrest, Delhi police, @DcpNorthDelhi, posted: “PS (police station) Sarai Rohilla team arrested a desperate burglar and member of a notorious gang. He tried to evade his arrest by throwing chilli powder at the eyes of police officers. Five burglary cases solved. One trigger knife recovered. #KeepingDelhiSafe”

During interrogation, the accused revealed that he and his associate used to search for locked shops during the day and break into them to steal cash at night. They used to target small shops, Indian news outlets reported.

"The accused, a resident of Pusta number two area in Usmanpur, said his associate and he would carry chilli powder to throw in case of apprehension. They even carry knives to use in case of apprehension during a heist," a police official was quoted as saying.