Haryana STF Apprehends Gangster's Sharpshooter in Dramatic Gurgaon Encounter
In a significant breakthrough against organized crime, the Special Task Force (STF) of Haryana Police successfully arrested a sharpshooter associated with notorious gangster Deepak Nandal following an intense encounter near Bandhwari village in the early hours of Tuesday, April 14. The operation unfolded based on precise intelligence inputs received just a day earlier, highlighting the police's proactive approach to combating criminal networks operating within the state.
Intelligence-Led Operation Prevents Planned Extortion Attack
According to detailed statements from STF officials, specific intelligence was gathered on April 13 indicating that Deepak Nandal, who reportedly operates his criminal syndicate from abroad, had assigned the task of carrying out a firing at the office of a Gurgaon-based businessman to his associate. The motive behind this planned attack was extortion, a common tactic employed by such gangs to intimidate and extract money from business owners. Acting swiftly on this critical tip-off, a specialized STF team established a strategic blockade near Bandhwari village to intercept the suspect before he could execute the criminal plan.
Dramatic Exchange of Fire and Arrest
The confrontation occurred at approximately 12:50 AM when police officers signaled a motorcycle rider to stop for inspection. Instead of complying, the suspect, later identified as Nivesh alias Dilla, attempted to flee the scene and opened fire on the police team. Multiple rounds were discharged by the accused, with two bullets striking the bulletproof jackets worn by STF Sub-Inspector Vivek and Probationary Sub-Inspector Vikas. Fortunately, the protective gear prevented any injuries to the officers, showcasing the importance of proper equipment in high-risk operations.
In a justified act of self-defence, the police team returned fire, ultimately overpowering the accused. During the exchange, Nivesh sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He was promptly provided medical attention and admitted to Civil Hospital in Sector 10 for treatment. An illegal pistol was recovered from his possession at the scene, further substantiating the serious nature of the charges against him.
Background of the Accused and Criminal Network
Nivesh, a resident of Jajal village in Sonipat district, has been revealed as an active member of the Deepak Nandal gang through preliminary police questioning. His criminal involvement extends beyond this incident, as he has been implicated in previous cases related to weapon supply. Specifically, he was involved in a firing case in Karnal and is suspected of facilitating weapons in a February firing incident targeting a businessman in Gurgaon. In that earlier event, shots were fired outside the businessman's office on Golf Course Road, creating fear and disruption.
The accused was already wanted by authorities in connection with an FIR registered on February 26, 2026, at DLF Phase-1 police station. The charges filed against him include relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, reflecting the gravity of his alleged offences.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
In the present case, police have formally booked Nivesh under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Section 109(1) for attempt to murder
- Section 121(1) for voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from duty
- Section 132 for assault or use of criminal force against a public servant
- Section 221 for obstructing a public servant from performing duties
Additionally, provisions of the Arms Act have been invoked due to the recovery of the illegal firearm. STF officials have emphasized that further interrogation is currently underway to gather comprehensive details about other members of the gang and its extensive network. This ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the organized crime structure piece by piece.
Context of Gangster Deepak Nandal's Notoriety
Deepak Nandal, the gang leader linked to this arrest, has a well-documented history of criminal activities in the region. Last year, Nandal and an associate named Yadav were named in three separate FIRs in Gurgaon for engineering a series of violent incidents:
- The firing on rapper Fazilpuria's car on Southern Peripheral Road on July 14
- The contract killing of property dealer Rohit Shokeen on August 4
- The firing at real estate company MNR Buildmark's office in Sector 45 on September 18
These cases illustrate the persistent threat posed by such criminal enterprises to public safety and business operations in the area.
Commitment to Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Crime
STF officials have reiterated the state's unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against organized crime. This arrest underscores the continuous efforts by law enforcement agencies to take strict and decisive action against individuals and networks involved in criminal activities. The successful operation near Bandhwari village serves as a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and those attempting to disrupt peace and security will face the full force of the law.
The collaboration between intelligence gathering and tactical field operations has proven effective in this instance, potentially preventing a violent extortion attempt and bringing a dangerous individual to justice. As the investigation progresses, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice and the maintenance of public order in Haryana.
