Authorities in Haridwar have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the shocking killing of notorious gangster Vinay Tyagi, who was shot while under police custody. The move follows intense scrutiny and allegations from Tyagi's family, who are demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Custodial Shooting and Aftermath
Vinay Tyagi succumbed to bullet injuries at AIIMS Rishikesh on December 26, three days after a brazen attack. The incident occurred on December 24 when bike-borne assailants opened fire on the vehicle transporting Tyagi to a court in Laksar, near Roorkee. He was being moved under police escort at the time.
In response to the security failure, Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Singh Dobal ordered the suspension of a sub-inspector and two constables. A preliminary inquiry found serious lapses in the security arrangements during the prisoner's transit.
Family's Allegations and Police Action
Tyagi's sister has vehemently contested the police narrative, alleging a larger conspiracy behind her brother's murder. She claims Tyagi was killed because he possessed knowledge of a massive Rs 750 crore black money stash belonging to a Uttar Pradesh-based businessman and intended to reveal this to investigating agencies.
She has also questioned the police's role, demanded security for the family, and stated that Tyagi was transferred from Dehradun jail to Roorkee jail on December 12 without his consent. Meanwhile, police have arrested two individuals in connection with the shooting: Sunny Yadav, a convicted murderer, and Ajay Kumar, who is allegedly linked to Tyagi's gang. Police stated that Yadav possibly had a monetary dispute with Tyagi and had previously threatened to attack him, even while he was in custody.
A Notorious Criminal Record and Ongoing Probe
Vinay Tyagi was a feared figure with an extensive criminal history. He faced over 60 serious criminal cases across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. His charges included murder, attempt to murder, extortion, assault, and theft. The Dehradun police had arrested him in October in connection with a theft case.
The newly formed SIT, which will be led by the circle officer of Haridwar (city), now faces the critical task of unraveling the complete sequence of events. The investigation must address the security breach, the motives behind the attack, and the serious allegations raised by the Tyagi family.
