Teenage Shooters for Bishnoi Gang Apprehended in Dramatic Delhi Encounter
Delhi Police have arrested two teenagers who were allegedly working as shooters for the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The dramatic apprehension followed an exchange of gunfire in North Delhi's Burari area early Wednesday morning.
Shootings at Gym and Businessman's House
Police identified the accused as Deepak, aged 19, and a 17-year-old juvenile. The two are suspected of firing shots outside RK Fitness Gym in Paschim Vihar East. This gym is owned by social media influencers Rohit Khatri and his wife.
They also allegedly fired at the residence of a businessman in West Vinod Nagar, East Delhi. This businessman had reportedly received an extortion demand of Rs 5 crore from the Bishnoi gang. Both shooting incidents occurred during the intervening night of January 12 and 13.
Police Operation and Exchange of Fire
The Anti-Narcotics Cell of Delhi Police received specific intelligence about the alleged shooters. According to their tip-off, the suspects would be passing through Burari while carrying firearms on Wednesday.
A police team led by Sub Inspector Jagbir Singh set up a trap at Pushta Nala Road near Hiranki around 1:25 AM. The suspects arrived on a scooter. When police signaled them to stop, the pillion rider allegedly opened fire at the police team.
"The pillion rider fired two rounds at our team," explained DCP (North) Raja Banthia. "One bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of constable Deepanshu. Our police retaliated immediately."
During the return fire, a bullet fired by Constable Deepanshu hit the assailant's right foot, bringing him down. The scooter rider attempted to flee while holding a pistol but was quickly overpowered by police personnel.
Injuries and Hospitalization
Deepak sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. Police transported him to Burari Government Hospital for medical treatment. Officers apprehended the juvenile suspect at the scene itself.
Social Media Recruitment and Payment
During questioning, the accused revealed they are both school dropouts. They allegedly came in contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang through social media platforms approximately two to three months ago.
An investigating officer disclosed details about their recruitment and payment. "Their handlers operate from abroad and communicate through encrypted messaging applications," the officer stated. "These handlers supplied weapons through local conduits and promised Rs 2 lakh for carrying out the shootings. The pair had already received an advance payment of Rs 50,000."
The officer added that Randeep Malik and Anil Pandit were in touch with the teenagers through the Signal app. Malik had previously orchestrated the shooting of gym owner Nadir Shah in 2024.
Evidence Recovery and Investigation
Police confirmed they have recovered clothes worn by the suspects during both shooting incidents. "We are now actively pursuing other members of this criminal network," the officer emphasized.
Heightened Police Surveillance
Following the two shooting incidents, Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Ravindra Singh Yadav ordered enhanced surveillance across all Delhi districts. This increased monitoring particularly emphasizes online tracking of criminal activities.
The arrests highlight growing concerns about gang recruitment through social media platforms. They also demonstrate how criminal networks are exploiting encrypted communication channels to coordinate illegal activities.
