Five members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang have been arrested in connection with the recent killing of a 35-year-old businessman in outer north Delhi's Bawana industrial area.
Acting on specific intelligence, police intercepted some of the suspects earlier in the day. When challenged, the accused allegedly opened fire at the police team in a bid to escape, prompting the personnel to retaliate in self-defence, leading to a brief encounter.
Investigators informed that four men were involved in the attack. The assailants allegedly first attempted to snatch the keys of the victim's car and forcibly took away his laptop bag when he resisted, before shooting him at close range. Police said the killing stemmed from a robbery conspiracy, even as a social media post claiming responsibility in the name of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang remains under investigation.
Vaibhav Gandhi, a plastic granules manufacturer, was shot dead on February 9 outside his factory in Sector 4 of the DSIIDC Industrial Area in Bawana. Police said the assailants approached his car, fired at him and fled with bags containing his laptop, phone and documents. Gandhi was taken to Maharishi Valmiki Hospital, where he was declared brought-dead. Around Rs 1 crore in cash was later found inside his vehicle.
According to police, the accused had conspired to rob Gandhi after one of them, who earlier visited his office for financial dealings, tipped off the gang about the availability of cash. The conspirators conducted reconnaissance of the area multiple times before executing the attack.
The alleged mastermind, Sanjay alias Tau (54), along with the informer Ravinder alias Ravi (42), was arrested from Sultanpuri during the probe. Two other accused, Sandeep alias Pujari (28) and Harish Kumar alias Sonu (45), were arrested later. Police said the fifth accused, Arun alias Pagal (37), a bus conductor, was arrested on Friday around 11.30 pm after he allegedly fired at a police team while attempting to flee on a stolen motorcycle without a number plate.
He sustained a bullet injury to his leg during the exchange of fire and was overpowered. A .32 bore pistol and cartridges were recovered from him. Investigators said the attack was initially planned as a robbery, as the victim was shot at close range during the assault. CCTV footage, technical surveillance and local intelligence helped identify and track down the suspects.
Police, however, said the gangs' names have not surfaced during the investigation so far, and the claim is being verified. The origin of the post is being traced, and the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations unit of Delhi Police is analysing its digital trail, officers added. Further investigation is underway to identify other suspects involved in the conspiracy.
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