2 wanted in over 30 robbery, dacoity cases held after police encounter in Haryana's Kaithal
DSP Sushil Prakash said that the gang used to commit robbery and dacoity by disguising themselves in police uniforms and carrying deadly weapons, targeting the deras of saints and sadhus
A Special Detective Unit of the Kaithal police arrested two wanted suspects allegedly involved in multiple robbery and dacoity cases after an encounter in the Kalayat area on Thursday late night. Both accused sustained bullet injuries in their legs during the exchange of fire with the police.
The arrested accused have been identified as Rajat and Mangal, residents of Shahzadpur in Ambala district. Both were wanted in more than 30 cases of robbery and dacoity in different areas of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan including six at deras in Kaithal district in the year 2022.
Giving details, DSP Sushil Prakash said that the gang used to commit robbery and dacoity by disguising themselves in police uniforms and carrying deadly weapons, targeting the deras of saints and sadhus. The Kaithal police had already arrested seven members of the gang. However, these two accused had been absconding for the last four years.
A team of the Special Detective Unit was on patrolling in the Kalayat area when they received information that the two accused were roaming near Khadalwa temple to conduct a recce for some crime.
Acting swiftly, the police team launched a search operation in the area. Both the suspects, who were riding a motorcycle, tried to flee after spotting the police near Khadalwa temple. The police chased them, during which the motorcycle of the accused slipped near a drain on the Mator-Badsikri road. Soon after, both accused allegedly opened fire on the police team, the spokesperson said.
Police officials warned the accused to surrender, but they continued firing. The police then fired five warning shots in the air. During the exchange, one bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of head constable Harish. In retaliation, the police team also fired and one bullet hit Rajat in his right leg, while Mangal sustained a bullet injury in his left leg. The police took them to hospital, where their treatment is under way, he added.
Police also recovered two illegal firearms from their possession, he said, adding that the accused fired a total of six rounds at the police team during the encounter.
