Police Open Fire in Self-Defence as Mob Attempts to Free ATM Robbery Suspect in Nuh
In a dramatic incident in Nuh district, police opened fire in self-defence when a mob allegedly tried to free an ATM robbery accused from custody, resulting in a youth sustaining a bullet injury in his leg. The event unfolded near Sikrawa village on Tuesday evening, sparking a major police investigation and case registration against multiple individuals.
Details of the Incident and Police Response
According to Nuh additional superintendent of police Ayush Yadav, who addressed a press conference, the situation escalated when a team from Meghalaya Police was transporting Rahul Khan, a resident of Wajidpur in Nuh, to Meghalaya on transit remand in connection with an ATM robbery case. As the team reached Sikrawa village close to HR-93 Donga Hotel in the jurisdiction of Pinangwan police station, the accused insisted the vehicle be stopped.
"He suddenly grabbed the steering wheel and attempted to overturn the vehicle in an effort to escape from police custody," Yadav stated. This action triggered a rapid response from locals, with a crowd of approximately 20–30 people, including women, gathering at the spot and surrounding the police vehicle.
The mob allegedly tried to snatch the car keys and seize weapons from the police team, leading to a tense confrontation. As the situation intensified, police personnel opened fire in self-defence to disperse the crowd. During the firing, Tareef Khan, a resident of Sikrawa village, suffered a bullet injury in his leg and was subsequently shifted to Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Case Registration and Evidence Collection
Police have registered a case against 12 named persons and several others for attacking the police team, obstructing government duty, and attempting to free the accused from custody. The complaint was filed by Meghalaya Police sub-inspector Arkidalang Wahlang, naming individuals including Naseem, Farookh, Maimuna, Sahruni, Mustakeem, Sahid, Khuddi, Khalid, Bhuppat, Zafar, Tareef Khan, and Rahul.
After receiving information about the incident, a team from Pinangwan police station reached the spot and conducted a thorough investigation. They recovered two empty cartridges, blood samples, and blood-stained clothing from the scene. A forensic science team also inspected the area and collected additional evidence to support the ongoing probe.
Background on the Accused and Ongoing Investigations
Police revealed that Rahul Khan is wanted in multiple ATM cutting cases registered at Dwarka and Dabri police stations in Delhi, as well as by the Special Cell in Meghalaya. Investigators added that he is also suspected of involvement in similar ATM theft cases in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting a pattern of criminal activity across states.
In response to the incident, officials have formed special teams to arrest the accused named in the case, with raids currently underway. This proactive measure aims to ensure all individuals involved are brought to justice and to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling high-tension situations and the risks associated with transporting accused individuals through potentially volatile areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations progress.
