Ghaziabad police successfully apprehended two wanted criminals, each carrying a bounty of Rs 25,000, following dramatic gunfights in the city. The accused were involved in the murder of an arms dealer earlier in December.
Arms Dealer Murder and Ankur Vihar Encounter
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari, the two arrested individuals have been identified as Mannu alias Sohail and Shaan. The duo had arranged a meeting with an arms dealer named Shivam on December 11 under the pretence of purchasing country-made pistols.
Instead of paying for the weapons, they snatched the pistols from Shivam. Before he could react, they opened fire. One bullet struck and killed Shivam on the spot. The assailants then fled the scene using a motorcycle.
The breakthrough came in the early hours of Tuesday near the Dadi Bhoi marriage house in Ankur Vihar. Assistant Commissioner of Police Gyan Prakash Rai stated that a police team, acting on a specific tip-off, was conducting checks when they received information that the two men were approaching Ramlila Maidan on the same motorcycle used in the crime.
"When the police team signalled the motorcycle to stop, the riders pulled out their country-made pistols and fired at the police team," ACP Rai explained. "While trying to flee, the motorcycle skidded and they fell. The police shot them in the legs." Both men were subsequently arrested.
Second Gunfight Leads to Farmer's Killer Arrest
In a separate but similarly violent incident in Muradnagar, police arrested another accused murderer after a gunfight. The suspect, identified as Gulhasan alias Gullu, was wanted for the killing of a farmer named Vakeel, whose body was discovered on December 27.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Masuri) Amit Saxena detailed that based on intelligence suggesting Gullu would be on Bhowapur Road, a police team was deployed. An informant positively identified Gullu from a distance of about 50 steps.
"When he saw the police team approach, Gulhasan fired at the police before beginning to run. However, he slipped and fell and was soon arrested," ACP Saxena said.
Motives and Recovered Evidence
During interrogation, Gulhasan reportedly confessed to the murder. He claimed his motive was that the farmer Vakeel had been harassing his female friend for the past six months.
Police seizures from the two operations highlight the ongoing issue of illegal arms. From Gulhasan, authorities recovered:
- An illegal pistol
- One empty cartridge
- One live cartridge
- A knife suspected to be the murder weapon
The arrests of Mannu, Shaan, and Gulhasan represent significant wins for Ghaziabad police in tackling serious violent crime. The incidents underscore the dangers police face and the continued circulation of illegal firearms in the region.
