Prayagraj: A wanted criminal was injured and arrested after an encounter in Kaushambi late on Monday night. The criminal, identified as Pradeep, sustained bullet injury and was admitted to the district hospital, Manjhanpur for treatment.A countrymade pistol of 0.315 bore, two used and two unused cartridge, and a bike was recovered from his possession. Police said a joint team of Pipri and Charwa police was conducting routine checks near Ratgaha road when they noticed two suspicious men on a motorcycle. The cops signalled them to stop, but they tried to escape. However, on being surrounded by the police, one of them opened fire. The police retaliated injuring Pradeep. His accomplice managed to escape.Police said Pradeep, a resident of Puramufti of Prayagraj, has seven criminal cases pending against him in Kaushambi and Prayagraj districts. Police said that Pradeep and his accomplices were involved in purse and mobile snatching.The gang had on July 31 snatched a mobile in Kasenda area under the limits of Pipri police station. The gang used to change their locations to dodge police.