Encounter – Delhi Police Nab Key Murder Suspect After Fierce Gun Battle
Encounter – A dramatic police operation in Northeast Delhi led to the arrest of the main suspect in the murder of a local drinking water supplier, following an armed confrontation near the Signature Bridge area on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that multiple rounds were fired during the encounter before the accused was taken into custody.
Police Operation Based on Intelligence Inputs
According to police officials, the arrested suspect, identified as Haroon, is believed to be a prominent member of a criminal gang operating in the region. He had been under investigation in connection with the recent killing of Rashid, who was shot dead earlier this week in Dayalpur.
Authorities said members of the Northeast Delhi District Special Staff received specific intelligence regarding Haroon’s presence near the Khajuri Khas and Signature Bridge stretch. Acting on the information, officers positioned themselves strategically in the area and attempted to stop him.
Exchange of Fire During Arrest Attempt
Police stated that when officers approached the suspect and instructed him to surrender, he allegedly responded by opening fire. The police team then returned fire in self-defence, resulting in a brief but intense gun battle.
During the exchange, one of the bullets reportedly struck the protective jacket worn by a police officer. The safety gear prevented serious injury and allowed the operation to continue without major casualties among law enforcement personnel.
Suspect Injured and Taken Into Custody
Officials said Haroon suffered a bullet injury to his leg during the encounter. After being subdued by the police team, he was immediately taken into custody and transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Following the operation, crime scene investigators and forensic experts arrived at the location to document evidence and conduct a detailed examination of the area. Authorities are expected to use the findings as part of the ongoing investigation.
Murder Case Linked to Gang Rivalry
Rashid, a drinking water supplier, was fatally shot inside his shop in the Dayalpur locality. Investigators believe three armed individuals were involved in carrying out the attack.
Senior police officials revealed that preliminary findings indicate the murder may be connected to an ongoing conflict between rival criminal groups. Rashid was allegedly associated with gangster Naseem Durrani and individuals connected to his network. Investigators suspect that long-standing tensions between the Durrani and Haroon gangs may have contributed to the killing.
Earlier Arrests Strengthened Investigation
The investigation had already seen significant progress before Haroon’s arrest. Dayalpur Police had previously detained two individuals allegedly linked to the murder using technical surveillance data and other evidence gathered during the probe.
In a separate operation, the Crime Branch also apprehended two juveniles suspected of acting as shooters connected to the Anwar Thakur-Haroon gang. Police officials said these arrests provided crucial leads that helped investigators trace the movements of the main suspect.
To accelerate the investigation, a dedicated team led by Inspectors Man Singh and Sunder Gautam had been assigned to identify and locate those involved in the crime. The latest arrest is being viewed as a major breakthrough in the case, while investigators continue efforts to uncover the full sequence of events behind the murder.