In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police arrested three alleged criminals, including the prime accused in a recent extortion and firing case in Saket, following a brief exchange of fire in south Delhi during the early hours of Saturday. Officials confirmed that the accused were apprehended after a coordinated operation.
Arrests and Encounter Details
The arrested individuals have been identified as Rakesh, alias Raka (31), Sonu, alias Addu (25), and Bharat Jatav (23). They were captured by a joint team comprising the Special Staff and the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of the South district near Machhi Market Road. The police had laid a trap based on specific intelligence that the trio would be passing through Birla Vidya Niketan Marg with illegal firearms.
Around 12:20 am on the intervening night of June 5 and 6, the suspects were spotted riding a motorcycle without a registration number. When signaled to stop, they allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the police team. During the exchange, a bullet fired by Rakesh struck the bulletproof jacket of Head Constable Sandeep Dhayal, preventing a potentially fatal injury. The police returned fire in self-defense, injuring Rakesh and Sonu in the legs before overpowering them. Bharat Jatav was disarmed and arrested at the spot without injury.
Background of the Case
The action followed an investigation into an extortion case registered at Saket police station after a resident of Lado Sarai reported receiving threatening calls allegedly from Rakesh. On June 1, two motorcycle-borne assailants fired multiple rounds outside the complainant's residence to enforce the extortion demand. Technical surveillance, CCTV footage analysis, and local intelligence pointed to the involvement of Rakesh and Sonu, who had been absconding since the incident.
Recoveries and Criminal Histories
Investigators recovered two semi-automatic pistols, seven live cartridges, six empty cartridges, three mobile phones, and a stolen Splendor motorcycle allegedly used in the crime. The weapons are believed to have been used in the Saket firing incident. According to police records, Rakesh is a listed bad character of Ambedkar Nagar police station and is involved in 11 criminal cases. Sonu faces two cases, and Bharat has one prior case against him.
Gang Links and Ongoing Investigation
The accused claimed links with the now-disbanded Prince Teotia gang and were attempting to regroup. A separate case relating to the encounter and recovery of weapons has been registered at Saket police station. Further investigation is underway to trace their wider network and other associates. The injured accused have been taken to a hospital for treatment and will be produced in court after medical clearance.
