Gurgaon Extortion Accused Shot by Police During Weapon Recovery Operation
In a dramatic turn of events, a 22-year-old man arrested in an extortion case was shot in the leg by police after he allegedly opened fire at officers during a recovery operation. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Pali area along the Faridabad-Gurgaon Road, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement in high-stakes criminal investigations.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery Operation
The accused, identified as Monu Gurjar, a resident of Sukhpura Road in Bathinda, Punjab, was initially arrested on February 7 along with his associates Honey (20) and Kapil alias Kannu (21). This arrest was made in connection with an extortion and Arms Act case registered at the Central police station in Faridabad. Following his arrest, Monu was placed on a 7-day police remand to aid in further investigations.
On February 10, a police team took Monu to a hilly stretch under the Pali police post limits to recover hidden weapons. During this operation, Monu led the officers to a concealed stash that included a pistol, five live cartridges, and five AK-47 cartridges. However, the situation escalated when Monu allegedly threw dirt into the eyes of a police personnel, snatched his service pistol, and fired two rounds at the team in an attempt to flee.
Police Response and Aftermath
In response to the attack, police retaliated and shot Monu in the left leg. He was immediately taken into custody and later admitted to AIIMS in Delhi for medical treatment. Officials have stated that his condition is stable, though the incident underscores the volatile nature of such recovery missions.
The case originated from a complaint lodged by a Faridabad-based steel businessman on February 5, under sections of extortion and the Arms Act. According to the businessman's statement, he received a WhatsApp call from a foreign number on December 17, demanding Rs 5 crore as extortion. Suspicious activities were noted around his residence on February 2, and on the night of February 5, a bag containing five cartridges and a threatening letter demanding money was discovered in the gallery of his house.
Background of the Accused and International Links
Police revealed that the accused placed the letter and cartridges at the complainant's residence under the instructions of their handlers. During a press conference, officials declined to disclose details about these international handlers but confirmed that such gangs are being operated from foreign lands and have been active in the Delhi NCR area. This points to a broader network of organized crime extending beyond national borders.
Monu Gurjar has a significant criminal history, with four cases registered against him in Punjab, including charges of kidnapping, assault, and violations of the Arms Act. His associates also have prior records: Honey is named in a dacoity case, and Kapil is involved in a vehicle theft case in Punjab. This background suggests a pattern of involvement in serious criminal activities, raising concerns about the reach and impact of such gangs in the region.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges police face in combating extortion rackets with international connections. As investigations continue, authorities are likely to focus on dismantling these networks to prevent future threats to public safety and business security in Gurgaon and surrounding areas.
