Gurugram Police has seized the criminals’ Scorpio. Inset shows file photo of property dealer Vishal who was held hostage.
Gurugram Police engaged in a gunfight with members of the Deepak Nandal gang around 11:30 pm on Thursday. More than 20 rounds were fired during the exchange, leaving five accused injured. Four of them died at the spot, while the fifth is undergoing treatment in critical condition.
An ASI and two other police personnel were also injured in the encounter. All three have been admitted to hospital. Police have sealed the area and are gathering the criminal records of all the accused.
According to ACP Sadar Dharamveer Singh, the encounter took place in Sushant Lok Block-A after criminals held property dealer Vishal Berry hostage inside his house. Vishal’s father was the founder of Gurugram’s SGT University. The accused allegedly demanded extortion money worth several crores from him.
When Vishal refused to pay, the criminals allegedly entered his house and opened fire. His family immediately informed the police. As soon as the police team reached the spot, firing started from both sides. Police said all the accused were members of the Deepak Nandal gang, which operates through a handler based abroad.
Weapons recovered from the killed criminals.
Here’s how the encounter happened in a sequential manner…
- Police received information about armed men in Sushant LokACP Sadar Dharamveer Singh said the encounter took place in Sushant Lok Phase-2. Crime Branch teams received information from the police control room about armed criminals travelling in a suspicious Scorpio vehicle.
- Criminals opened fire with modern weaponsWhen the Crime Branch team reached the area, the criminals allegedly started firing with modern weapons at property dealer Vishal Berry’s house. Police asked them to surrender, but they allegedly opened fire at the team, following which police retaliated.
- Five criminals and three policemen injured
- ACP Singh said police opened fire in self-defence, injuring five criminals. Three police personnel — ASI Sunil from Crime Branch Sector-40, constable Manjeet and constable Shamsher — also sustained bullet injuries and were admitted to Medanta Hospital.
Doctors later declared four criminals dead, while one injured accused is undergoing treatment.
The five criminals came in this Scorpio, police have seized the Scorpio.
Criminals came in a black Scorpio
Police said the five accused reached Vishal Berry’s house in a black Scorpio. The vehicle has been seized and is being examined. The windshield of the Scorpio was also damaged during the firing.
At the time of the incident, Vishal was alone at home. His parents have died, while his sister is married.
Police investigation has revealed that Vishal’s father had separated from SGT University. One of the deceased criminals was from Fatehabad, while the injured accused, identified as Shivam, is from Kota Bisar in Gurugram.
Police personnel present at the scene after the encounter in Sushant Lok, Gurugram.
3 important points by ACP on the incident
Threats allegedly came from Deepak Nandal gang
ACP Sadar Dharamveer Singh said property dealer Vishal had allegedly received extortion threats from gangster Deepak Nandal, who is believed to be operating from abroad. Following this, members of his gang attacked Vishal’s house.
The entire area has been sealed and investigation is underway.
Four criminals killed on the spot
The ACP said one injured criminal is undergoing treatment, while doctors are monitoring the condition of the injured policemen. Police are collecting details about Deepak Nandal and other gang members.
Property dealer being questioned
Police said the identities of the criminals are yet to be confirmed. Their criminal records, recovered weapons and other evidence are being examined.
Vishal Berry and his family members are also being questioned to find out when and how much extortion money was demanded from them.
