2 criminals linked to Bhau gang injured in Rohtak encounter

Two criminals were injured in an encounter with a joint team of Special Task Force (STF) Rohtak and the CIA-1 branch of the local police near the Titoli bypass here on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.

The duo also reportedly opened fire on the police; two cops were hit but fortunately they were wearing bullet-proof jackets. The injured - Jasbir of Fatehabad and Sahil of Kharkhoda (Sonepat) - have been admitted to the PGIMS Rohtak for treatment, said the sources.

“During the preliminary inquiry, their connection has been established with the notorious Bhau gang. Two firearms have been recovered from their possession,” said a police officer on anonymity.

It was the second encounter of the local police with the miscreants in the past one week and the STF Rohtak played a vital role in nabbing the gangsters both the times. Earlier, a UP-based gangster died after the police encounter and two others with criminal records were arrested.

Sources said the STF Rohtak was focussing upon nabbing the members of various gangs, including Bhau and Nandu, active in the region and it had also got success in its campaign.

“Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of the STF and the CIA-1 trapped the accused roaming on a motorbike near the Titoli bypass. They were asked to surrender, but they did not, and resorted to firing at the cops. The bullets hit two cops wearing bullet-proof jackets. The police retaliated in self-defence. Jasbir and Sahil suffered injuries during the crossfire. They had been admitted to the PGIMS for the treatment," said a police officer.

Sources said the police were probing whether they had any role in the murder of Jhajjar-based financer Manjeet, who was gunned down by unidentified assailants in a wedding ceremony at Kiloi village here two days ago. Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.