STF Arrests Five in Haryana Kidnapping Case After Late-Night Gunfight in Sonepat
In a high-stakes late-night confrontation, the Bahadurgarh unit of the Special Task Force (STF) engaged armed criminals in Sonepat district, resulting in the arrest of five men allegedly involved in a kidnapping-for-ransom case, as confirmed by police on Saturday. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the region.
Background of the Kidnapping Case
The case centers on the abduction of the son of a nursing college owner in Jhajjar, where the gang had reportedly demanded a ransom of ₹5 crore for his safe release. This follows a separate incident on March 4, where an eight-year-old boy was kidnapped in broad daylight from a village in Haryana, sparking a multi-agency search operation. The child was successfully traced near the Rohtak–Sonepat bypass hours later and reunited with his family, highlighting the urgency of such investigations.
Dramatic Encounter and Arrests
Acting on specific intelligence, STF teams meticulously tracked the suspects to the Mehndipur area of Sonepat, where they were traveling in a Bolero vehicle. STF in-charge Inspector Rakesh Singh detailed that police intercepted the vehicle and ordered the occupants to surrender. However, the accused allegedly responded by opening fire with intent to kill, putting officers' lives at immediate risk.
Bullets struck the bulletproof jackets of ASI Vikas and ASI Dharambir, narrowly preventing serious injuries or fatalities. In retaliatory fire, two key accused—Chitranjan alias Manjeet and Vishwajeet alias Vinny, both residents of Kansala village in Rohtak—sustained bullet injuries in their legs. Three others—Deepanshu alias Chhota, Ashok alias Shoki, and Rohit—were also apprehended at the scene.
Evidence and Investigation
Authorities recovered two pistols, live cartridges, and empty shells from the site, providing crucial evidence for the case. The injured suspects were promptly admitted to Sonepat Civil Hospital for medical treatment, while the remaining accused were handed over to Murthal police station for further investigation. Police have noted that all accused individuals have prior criminal records, indicating a pattern of illegal activities.
A comprehensive probe is currently underway to uncover further details and connections related to this kidnapping-for-ransom scheme. This operation demonstrates the STF's commitment to tackling serious crimes and ensuring public safety in Haryana.
