Two Illegal Liquor Suppliers Apprehended for Kidnapping Delhi Police Constable
In a dramatic turn of events, two individuals allegedly engaged in the illicit liquor trade have been taken into custody by Delhi Police for the abduction and intimidation of a constable from the Excise Department and his driver. The arrests followed an intense interstate pursuit that culminated near the Indo-Nepal border, where one of the accused was attempting to flee the country.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The suspects have been identified as Rahul Nain, a resident of Rohtak, and Vinod Kumar from Jhajjar, both hailing from Haryana. Police officials disclosed that Kumar is a habitual offender with a history of involvement in at least five prior criminal cases, underscoring his notoriety in illegal activities.
Incident Overview and Assault
The incident unfolded in the early hours of February 23, when Constable Naresh Sharma and his driver, Rahul, were conducting intelligence gathering on illegal liquor operations near Aggarwal Auto Mall in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. According to police reports, a group of armed men confronted the duo and, upon discovering their identities, became violent.
The victims were allegedly assaulted with sticks and forcibly abducted in their own vehicle. They were then transported to Bahalgarh in Haryana, where they were confined inside a liquor godown. During their captivity, they were subjected to further beatings, threatened at gunpoint, and videographed in an apparent effort to intimidate them. Additionally, the constable was robbed of his wallet, which contained his official identity card and approximately Rs 8,000 in cash.
Release and Investigation
After being released, the victims promptly reported the incident via the emergency helpline. Both individuals underwent medical examinations at BJRM Hospital to document their injuries. A formal case was registered at the Shalimar Bagh police station, leading to the formation of a special investigation team dedicated to resolving the matter.
Investigators meticulously analysed CCTV footage, which enabled them to trace the accused to Bahalgarh in Sonipat. Intelligence inputs further revealed that Rahul Nain was a key operative in an illegal liquor supply network operating between Haryana and Delhi. Following his arrest, Nain provided crucial information about his associates, aiding in the broader investigation.
Interstate Chase and Apprehension
Vinod Kumar, who had been evading capture by moving across multiple states including Punjab and Uttarakhand, was tracked through locations such as Zirakpur, Nainital, and Kainchi Dham. His evasion efforts were ultimately thwarted on the night of March 18-19, when he was apprehended near the Indo-Nepal border, just as he was attempting to cross into another country.
Confessions and Recovery
Police officials confirmed that both accused have confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping and related crimes. As part of the investigation, authorities have recovered the vehicle used in the crime and two mobile phones, which are expected to provide further evidence. Efforts are currently ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals linked to this case, as stated by the police.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combating illegal liquor trade and the risks faced by law enforcement officials in their duties. The swift action by Delhi Police in apprehending the suspects demonstrates their commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
