Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Member Shot in Leg During Police Encounter in Rajasthan
A 25-year-old man, suspected to be a member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was shot in the leg during a dramatic police encounter in Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan on Friday evening. The incident unfolded after the accused allegedly opened fire at police officers and attempted to flee during a high-speed chase.
Accused Identified as Akash Nigam from Agra
Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar identified the accused as Akash Nigam, a resident of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. According to the SP, Nigam had direct connections with the group responsible for the firing incident at the residence of renowned filmmaker Rohit Shetty in Mumbai's Juhu area on the night of January 31 to February 1. Police allege that Nigam took a contract to carry out the firing at Shetty's home.
Links to Bishnoi Gang and Reconnaissance Operations
Investigators revealed that the accused is closely linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had conducted extensive reconnaissance operations in Jaipur, Sriganganagar, and Hanumangarh districts to execute targeted shootings. These operations were part of a broader strategy to identify and attack specific individuals on the gang's hit list.
Encounter Details: Chase and Gunfire Exchange
The encounter occurred when a police team was conducting stop-and-check operations as part of a special drive targeting drugs, illegal arms, and organized crime. During a blockade, a man wearing a black T-shirt approached on a black motorcycle without a registration number. When police signaled him to stop, the rider made a sudden U-turn and sped towards Punjab, raising immediate suspicion.
The police team pursued him in their vehicle. Near a village road, the suspect abandoned the motorcycle and attempted to flee on foot. When cornered, the accused allegedly fired three rounds at the police party using a revolver. In retaliation, police shot him in the leg and successfully overpowered him at the spot.
Recovery of Evidence and Hospitalization
Police claimed to have recovered a revolver, three live cartridges, empty shells, and the unnumbered Splendor motorcycle allegedly used in the foiled escape attempt. The injured suspect was promptly admitted to a government hospital for treatment of his bullet wound.
Confessions and Ongoing Investigation
During preliminary interrogation, accused Akash Nigam confessed to being in contact with Punjab-based gangsters. He admitted to conducting reconnaissance based on targets assigned by his handlers. Nigam also revealed that about two months ago, he stayed in the Bhadra area of Hanumangarh with associates to plan a firing incident.
Police stated that further questioning is underway to uncover the full network and potential targets of the gangsters with whom Nigam is associated. A police official emphasized, "We have confirmation that the accused conducted extensive reconnaissance of several targets and passed on the information to his handlers. We are investigating the case to ascertain the persons on the gang's hit list."
The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat organized crime and gang-related activities in the region, with authorities continuing to probe deeper into the connections and operations of the Bishnoi gang.
