Dehradun Gunfight: Fortuner SUV Had 11 Pending Traffic Challans, Police Hunt Scorpio Accused
In a shocking development from the Dehradun gunfight that resulted in the death of retired Brigadier Mukesh Kumar Joshi, the Delhi-registered Toyota Fortuner used by Gen-Z nightclub staff has been found to have at least 11 pending traffic challans. These challans span across multiple states including Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with most violations related to speeding, according to information accessed by authorities.
Intensified Manhunt for Scorpio Occupants
Meanwhile, police have intensified their search for the four absconding occupants of the black Scorpio-N used by the rival group of customers. Investigators suspect that one of these Scorpio occupants fired the shot that fatally struck the 74-year-old retired officer during the violent exchange.
The four accused currently on the run have been identified as Shantanu Tyagi of Saharanpur, Kavish Tyagi of Muzaffarpur, Sameer Chaudhary of Haridwar, and Vaibhav, whose complete details are still being gathered by investigators. "Multiple teams are working round the clock to arrest the four accused who were in the black, brand new Scorpio-N SUV. Separate teams have been sent to their native districts as well," SP (City) Pramod Kumar stated.
Scorpio Recovered, Fortuner Under Scrutiny
According to police officers, Shantanu Tyagi allegedly fired the fatal shot during the exchange of fire. The black Scorpio-N, which police said belonged to Kavish Tyagi, has already been recovered from a forested area near Doiwala after being abandoned by the accused.
Officials revealed that technical surveillance, CCTV footage analysis, and local intelligence inputs are being utilized to trace the suspects, while checkpoints have been strengthened on key routes leading out of Dehradun to prevent their escape.
Investigators are also examining the role of the Toyota Fortuner used by the nightclub staff. Official records show the SUV is registered in the name of Amit Leela, a resident of Sector 24, Rohini, New Delhi. Police confirmed the vehicle was being used by Delhi-based Sandeep Kumar, owner of Gen-Z nightclub, who has been arrested in the case for allegedly providing weapons. The SUV has been seized as evidence.
"We are going to send a notice to the legal owner of the SUV and investigate his role as well. Initial information suggests the Fortuner was being used by club owner Sandeep Kumar," Pramod Kumar explained.
From Nightclub Dispute to Deadly Gunfight
The case, which initially appeared to be a road rage incident, was later found to have originated in a dispute inside Gen-Z nightclub on Sunday night. Police revealed that a group of youngsters got into an argument with bar staff over a bill, and the confrontation escalated after the rear glass of their Scorpio vehicle was allegedly damaged. Though the matter appeared to have subsided temporarily, the group reportedly left after issuing threats.
The next morning, the two sides came face to face again near Kuthal Gate. Police said the nightclub staff were travelling in the Fortuner when they were spotted by the Scorpio occupants, who chased them towards Johri village on Mussoorie road. Shots were fired at the Fortuner's tyres, triggering retaliation and a full-blown gunfight on a public road.
Arrests and Recoveries
Police have so far arrested four accused in connection with the incident. These include bar employees Mohammad Akhlaq and Rohit Kumar, nightclub owner Sandeep Kumar, and Aditya Chaudhary, another Fortuner occupant. Authorities have also recovered two country-made pistols and four cartridges from Akhlaq and Rohit.
A comprehensive case under murder and Arms Act provisions has been registered as the investigation continues to unfold, with police pursuing multiple angles including the traffic violations history of the vehicles involved and the backgrounds of all parties connected to the deadly confrontation.
