Five gang members nabbed after police encounter in Rohtak; links found abroad

In a major breakthrough against organised crime, the local police managed to nab five members of a notorious gang following exchanges of fires near Jasia-Dhamar Road here early on Friday morning.

One of the accused also sustained bullet injuries in the leg during the encounter. He has been admitted to the PGIMS-Rohtak for treatment. The police recovered one country-made pistol, three live cartridges, one sword, three sticks, and a car from their possession.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the accused has a previous criminal record. Three of them have been booked in cases related to murder, robbery, snatching, and possession of illegal weapons. The accused have been identified as Sahil, Mohan, alias Kala of Kheri Sampla; Praveen, Sunny, alias Chamra, and Gaurav of Sampla town here.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Surender Singh Bhoria has issued a stern warning to criminals, stating that “those who fire bullets will end up taking one themselves.” He emphasised that the police would not spare anyone trying to disturb law and order in the district.

“During interrogation, the accused are also found to have connections abroad. Their associates, operating from foreign countries, demand extortion money from businessmen, doctors and other prominent individuals through phone calls and other means. To create an atmosphere of fear, the accused and their associates fire shots at the houses or establishments of such victims. The accused were planning to carry out another criminal act on the instructions of their associates. Acting promptly on the received information, we arrested all accused,” said Bhoria.

He said the operation was carried out by the CIA-1 team led by Inspector Kuldeep Singh and Sub-Inspector Satyawan after receiving a tip-off about armed youths roaming in the area. Acting swiftly, the police team began patrolling around 5 am when they spotted a suspicious car with five men inside.

“As the police team approached the vehicle, the accused opened fire with the intent to kill. The cops retaliated in self-defence and managed to apprehend all five accused after a brief exchange of gunfire. One of the accused, Sahil, sustained a bullet injury in his leg and was immediately taken to the PGIMS-Rohtak for treatment,” said Bhoria.

He said a case had been registered at Sadar police station, Rohtak, for attempt to murder, use of illegal weapons, and criminal conspiracy. In response to a question, Bhoria said the accused had links with gangsters operating from abroad, but he dismissed them as “beggars.” He remarked, “Instead of earning through honest means, those who demand money from others are nothing but beggars. We will not let them succeed in their design.”

The police are now investigating the gang’s international connections and working to identify other members involved in the extortion network. This operation reflects Rohtak police’s commitment to cracking down on organised crime and ensuring the safety of citizens.