Ghaziabad Police Apprehend Two Suspects in Modinagar Dhaba Shooting Incident
In a significant breakthrough, Ghaziabad police have arrested two persons in connection with the brazen firing incident that targeted a 35-year-old man outside Swagat Dhaba in Modinagar on April 2. The victim, identified as Rahul Chaudhary, sustained five bullet injuries but remarkably drove himself to a hospital located 25 kilometers away. He continues to remain in critical condition, battling his injuries.
Details of the Arrest and Gunfight
The two accused were apprehended after a dramatic gunfight with police officers. They have been identified as Jalbeer, also known as Jalu (50), a resident of Bhojpur in Ghaziabad, and Jatin Sharma (35), who hails from Anand Vihar in New Delhi. Jalbeer, the prime accused in this case, was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 and sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during the exchange of fire.
According to ACP (Modinagar) Bhaskar Verma, law enforcement received a crucial tip-off indicating that the prime accused in the Rahul Chaudhary shooting was en route to Modinagar in a grey Alto car along with his associate. In response, teams from SWAT, the crime branch, and the Modinagar police station swiftly initiated checks near Chakroad ahead of Gadana village on the road connecting Modinagar to Bhojpur.
During these checks, police spotted a grey Alto car without a number plate approaching and attempted to stop it. The accused immediately turned the car around in a bid to flee, but their vehicle collided with an electric pole, forcing them to attempt an escape on foot. As police officers began their pursuit, the accused opened fire, leading to retaliatory action by the cops during which Jalbeer was injured. Jalbeer was subsequently sent to a hospital for medical treatment, while Sharma was arrested from the spot.
Background of the Gang Rivalry
During interrogation, Jalbeer revealed to the police that he used to work with Chaudhary approximately six years ago. However, the two had a severe falling-out, leading them to form separate gangs. Their enmity intensified over the years, culminating in Jalbeer attacking Chaudhary in 2024, though Chaudhary survived that assault.
ACP Verma elaborated on the motive, stating, "Jalbeer planned another attack, but Chaudhary was arrested by police in an extortion case and sent to jail. Later, he managed to win over some of Chaudhary’s people, and when he learned that Chaudhary was going to Modinagar, he followed him and opened fire."
Criminal Records of the Accused and Victim
The investigation has uncovered extensive criminal backgrounds for both the accused and the victim. A total of 12 cases, including charges under extortion, attempt to murder, and the Arms Act, have been registered against Jalbeer across various police stations in Delhi and Ghaziabad.
On the other hand, Chaudhary has been named in 18 cases involving serious charges such as murder, attempt to murder, and extortion at multiple police stations throughout Ghaziabad. While he was acquitted in seven of these cases, he was arrested six months ago in an extortion case and was released on bail merely two months prior to the attack.
Complaint and Ongoing Investigation
A complaint lodged by Chaudhary’s wife had alleged that a local gang, which had previously attempted to kill Rahul, was behind this latest attack. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover further details and ensure all individuals involved are brought to justice.
