The Delhi Police have apprehended two alleged sharpshooters associated with the Anwar Thakur-Harun gang following a brief exchange of gunfire. The arrests are connected to the murder of a rival gang member in northeast Delhi, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Details of the Operation
According to police, the two suspects, both juveniles, were taken into custody during a late-night operation on June 17. The operation was based on intelligence inputs that linked them to the killing of Rashid, who was shot dead in the Dayalpur area on June 15.
Gang Rivalry Behind the Murder
Police stated that the murder stemmed from an ongoing feud between the Harun gang and the rival Naseem Durrani gang. Rashid was believed to be associated with the Naseem Durrani network operating in northeast Delhi.
Investigators suspect that the accused carried out the killing as retaliation for the recent murder of Raja Mewati, a close associate of gangster Harun. Members of the Harun gang allegedly believed Rashid was involved in that murder and conspired to eliminate him.
How the Arrests Unfolded
Acting on a tip-off, a Crime Branch team set up a trap on the road connecting Usmanpur’s Third Pusta and Wazirabad. At around 11:05 pm, officers intercepted two suspects traveling on a motorcycle. When the suspects realized they were surrounded, they allegedly drew pistols and opened fire on the raiding team.
In self-defense, the police team returned fire, aiming at the suspects' legs. Both accused sustained injuries and were subsequently overpowered and arrested.
Recovered Items
During the operation, police recovered two .32-bore semi-automatic pistols, five live cartridges, three empty cartridge cases, and a stolen two-wheeler. The motorcycle used by the accused had reportedly been stolen from the Seelampur area.
Legal Action and Investigation
The accused have been booked in a separate case registered by the Crime Branch for attempted murder, assault on public servants, and offenses under the Arms Act. Police said the arrests have helped crack the Dayalpur murder case. Further investigations are underway to identify other members involved in the conspiracy.
