In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the capital, a businessman in Delhi's Rohini area narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Friday evening. Bike-borne assailants unleashed a barrage of gunfire on his car and residence in a brazen extortion plot, leaving the vehicle riddled with bullet holes.
The Brazen Afternoon Attack
The terrifying episode unfolded around 5:23 PM when police received a PCR call about the shooting. The attackers fired over two dozen rounds, targeting the businessman's blue Toyota Innova, shattering its front windscreen. Miraculously, the businessman, who deals in cardboard and real estate, emerged from the assault without any injuries. Forensic teams later counted approximately 25 bullet marks at the scene.
This violent strike did not come without warning. Investigators revealed that the groundwork was laid between December 26 and 29 last year. During this period, the complainant received multiple WhatsApp calls and voice messages from an international number. "A caller, identifying as a major gangster, demanded a substantial sum of money and issued threats," a senior police officer stated. The victim initially dismissed the threats as a prank and did not report them to authorities.
Himanshu Bhau's Shadow and Police Probe
The audacity and scale of the attack have led investigators to point fingers at the resurgent syndicate of gangster Himanshu Bhau. Police sources indicate that the modus operandi, marked by the excessive use of bullets, is a signature of Bhau's gang. This attack signals the gang's return to business after a brief hiatus. Notably, Himanshu Bhau is currently believed to be residing in the United States.
Following the incident, the Begumpur police station registered a First Information Report (FIR) on charges of extortion and attempted murder. Crime and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams were dispatched to collect empty cartridges and other evidence to identify the calibre of weapons used. Police are also probing whether a local gang is trying to misuse Bhau's notorious name to extract money from the businessman.
International Manhunt and Gang's History
The backdrop to this incident involves a protracted international manhunt. Himanshu Bhau and his close aide, Sahil Ritolia, have been declared absconders by a court, and Interpol has issued a red notice against them. Authorities have even moved a request for their trial in absentia to proceed with the legal process.
Indian agencies have been trying to extradite Bhau and Ritolia for over two years. In a significant setback, Bhau was briefly detained in the US last year on India's request but was released due to a lack of proven charges. Originally from Rohtak in Haryana, Bhau was active in Delhi since 2022. He allegedly obtained a passport using forged documents in 2022 and fled to Dubai, then to Portugal, before reaching his current location in the US. In a related crackdown, the crime branch booked 10 members of this gang under the stringent MCOCA last October.
The Rohini attack underscores the persistent challenge posed by organized crime networks with international links, operating with impunity to terrorize citizens for extortion. The Delhi Police's investigation is now focused on tracing the attackers and establishing the definitive chain of command behind this violent act.
