The Panipat police have arrested three miscreants allegedly involved in the firing upon a transporter in Mehrana village, following a brief encounter in the Israna area in the wee hours of Wednesday. Two of the accused sustained bullet injuries during the exchange of fire and have been hospitalised.
The Encounter
Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of CIA-1 Panipat (led by Inspector Phool Kumar) and STF Sonepat (led by Inspector Yogender) traced the suspects on the Israna–Jondhan Khurd village road.
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Exchange of Fire: According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhupender Singh, the miscreants opened fire upon spotting the police party.
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Retaliation: In the retaliatory firing by the police, two accused sustained bullet injuries to their legs.
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Arrests: All three suspects were apprehended on the spot. Illegal weapons were recovered from their possession.
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Medical Status: The injured were initially admitted to the Civil Hospital, Panipat, and later referred to Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College for Women at Khanpur Kalan.
Accused Identified
The police have identified the arrested individuals as:
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Sunil alias Gunda: A resident of Naultha village (injured).
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Prince: A resident of Dahar village (injured).
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A Minor: The third accomplice.
Background: The Transporter Attack
The arrests are connected to a firing incident that occurred on Saturday evening in Mehrana village.
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The Victim: The target was C Subramanyam Swamy, a transporter and owner of ‘Anna Dosa’ restaurants, who resides in Eldeco, Panipat.
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The Incident: Assailants on a motorcycle arrived at his office near the Nyara petrol pump and opened fire, leaving him with three bullet injuries to the head and stomach. He remains under treatment at a private hospital.
Motive: Gangster Connection
Preliminary investigations revealed that the crime was orchestrated from abroad.
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Mastermind: The firing was reportedly carried out on the directions of notorious criminal Shilu Dahar, who is believed to be overseas.
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Extortion: The accused disclosed they had already extorted ₹2 lakh from the transporter and attacked him to spread terror in Shilu Dahar’s name.
