In a significant breakthrough, the Kaithal police arrested two wanted criminals of the Bawaria gang after an exchange of fire on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The accused, identified as Sohan Singh and Dharambir, residents of Maur Mandi in Bathinda district, Punjab, were carrying cash rewards of Rs 5,000 each.
Joint Operation by Special Detective Unit
A joint team of the Special Detective Unit (SDU) led by Inspector Sunil Kumar, along with ASI Tarsem Singh, HC Harish Kumar, HC Devender Kumar, HC Buta Singh and other personnel, had been specifically assigned to crack the Cheeka burglary case by Superintendent of Police (SP) Manpreet Singh Sudan. The burglary occurred on June 9 in Kaithal's HSVP Sector Cheeka, where valuables worth several lakh rupees were stolen.
During a late-night patrolling on June 25, the police received input that the two suspects involved in the Cheeka burglary were moving around the Pundri area in a car and were allegedly planning another major crime. Acting swiftly, the police set up a barricade on the Sikander Kheri–Barsana Road and signalled the suspicious vehicle to stop.
Exchange of Fire and Arrest
Instead of stopping, the suspects sped away, triggering a chase. Their vehicle eventually met with an accident, after which both accused allegedly came out and opened indiscriminate fire on the police, according to DSP Sushil Prakash. The team initially restrained by warning the accused to surrender and even fired warning shots into the air. However, the suspects allegedly continued firing with the intention of killing the police personnel.
During the exchange of fire, one bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of Inspector Sunil Kumar, while another hit the bulletproof jacket worn by HC Buta Singh, preventing serious injuries. In self-defence and to protect public safety, the police retaliated, which resulted in injuries to both accused—Dharambir sustained a bullet injury to his left leg, while Sohan Singh was shot in his right leg. Both were immediately overpowered and shifted to a government hospital for medical treatment.
Recovery and Legal Action
Police recovered two illegal .32 bore country-made pistols, live cartridges and a car used in the incident. A fresh case has been registered at Pundri Police Station for allegedly attempting to murder police personnel and other relevant offences. The accused will be formally arrested after being discharged from the hospital, following which they will be interrogated regarding other pending criminal cases and possible associates.
Link to Bawaria Gang
Preliminary interrogation revealed their alleged involvement in Cheeka burglary. Police further suspect that both accused are linked to the Bawaria gang, a criminal network allegedly involved in burglaries, robberies and train loot cases in Haryana and Punjab. The police said the gang reportedly conducted recce of residential areas before targeting houses that appeared unoccupied during the night.
Police Commendation
Meanwhile, SP Sudan appreciated the team work and honoured all involved in this operation. The successful arrest underscores the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in tackling organized crime.
