Delhi Police Cracks Down on Extortion Network in Shahdara
The Delhi Police achieved a significant breakthrough on Thursday by dismantling an organized extortion racket operating in the Shahdara area of East Delhi. Three suspects, including two shooters, were apprehended following dramatic events that culminated in an encounter where one accused sustained injuries while attempting to escape police custody.
The Complaint That Triggered the Investigation
The police action was initiated based on a formal complaint filed by Kunal Arora, who resides in Shri Ram Colony within the Bhola Nath Nagar locality of Shahdara. Arora approached the Farsh Bazar Police Station on November 3 to report a terrifying incident that had occurred the previous night.
According to the complaint, on the evening of November 2, two helmet-wearing individuals arrived at Arora's residence and fired multiple rounds at the main gate. The assailants specifically called out for his brother, Bunty Arora, during the attack. A third accomplice was observed standing nearby with his face covered, acting as a lookout during the shooting incident.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Shahdara, Prashant Gautam, detailed the investigative process that led to the breakthrough. "Our teams utilized multiple sources and coordinated efforts to gather intelligence about the suspects. Through dedicated investigation, we identified and apprehended three primary accused - Zaheer, Farukh, and Salman", stated DCP Gautam.
The police registered a comprehensive case under multiple legal provisions, including sections 324(6) for mischief, 351(2) for criminal intimidation, and 3(5) for common intent under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 27 of the Arms Act.
Following their arrest, the three accused were presented before a local court, which granted the police two days of custody for further interrogation and investigation.
Dramatic Encounter During Weapon Recovery
The investigation took a dramatic turn when police took Zaheer to Yamuna Khadar near Geeta Colony to recover weapons used in the crime. DCP Gautam described the challenging circumstances: "The location was extremely remote with poor visibility during late night hours. While recovering a pistol and two live cartridges from the spot, Zaheer attempted to snatch an officer's pistol from his waistband."
"Despite repeated warnings from the Inspector, the accused continued his aggressive attempts to seize the weapon. Faced with the imminent threat of the accused either escaping or opening fire on the police team, the inspector was compelled to fire a single shot that injured Zaheer in his right leg", the DCP added.
Revelations and Criminal Backgrounds
During intensive interrogation, the police uncovered that the extortion attempt was masterminded by a bookie named Sachin, who had demanded Rs 30 lakh from Bunty Arora in October. When the payment wasn't made, Sachin allegedly instructed Zaheer to execute the shooting at Arora's residence as an intimidation tactic.
The investigation revealed that Zaheer, along with associates Faizan, Farukh, and Salman, carried out the firing before fleeing the scene. The accused further disclosed that they had been directed to conduct similar shootings at Cigar Bar in GTB Enclave and SOSO Bar in Preet Vihar, but their arrest prevented these planned attacks.
The police confirmed the extensive criminal histories of the arrested individuals:
- Zaheer (29), resident of Vishwas Nagar - 6 previous cases
- Farukh (26), resident of Chauhan Banger - 9 previous cases
- Salman (30), resident of Chauhan Banger - 6 previous cases
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery
In addition to the pistol and cartridges recovered during the encounter, police also seized a motorcycle and mobile phone used in the commission of the crime. A separate case has been registered at the Geeta Colony Police Station under BNS sections 221, 132, and 121(1).
Police authorities confirmed that intensive efforts are underway to trace the primary conspirator Sachin and other members of the extortion network. The investigation continues to unfold as police work to completely dismantle the criminal operation and prevent future extortion attempts in the region.
