Delhi Police has intensified its aggressive campaign against gangsters and organized criminal networks operating across the national capital, with a major breakthrough achieved under the ongoing “Operation Gang Bust.” In a high-risk late-night operation carried out by the Special Staff of Central District, two wanted shooters linked to a recent firing case in Karol Bagh were apprehended after an exchange of fire near Turkman Road in Central Delhi.
The latest action once again highlights how Delhi Police is tightening its grip on gangsters and repeat offenders who have been creating fear in several areas of Central and North Delhi. Police officials described the operation as part of a larger coordinated effort aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates, preventing gang wars, and curbing the increasing influence of gangsters involved in robbery, extortion, firing incidents, and illegal weapons circulation.
Wanted Shooters Linked to Karol Bagh Firing Arrested
According to the police, the arrested accused have been identified as Deepanshu alias Sahil alias Bouncer, aged 28, and Avinash, aged 24, both residents of Karol Bagh. The two were allegedly wanted in connection with a firing case registered at Police Station Karol Bagh earlier this year. Investigators believe the accused were active members associated with violent criminal groups operating in the Central range.
The operation unfolded on the night of May 9 after the Special Staff of Central District received specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of the two shooters. Police sources said the accused were allegedly planning another attack linked to an ongoing rivalry between criminal gangs. The secret information suggested that the shooters would travel through the Kamla Market area on a brown-colored Activa scooter and were carrying illegal firearms.
Delhi Police Conducts Strategic Night Operation
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, a dedicated raiding team was formed under the leadership of Inspector Rohit Kumar, In-Charge of Special Staff, Central District. The operation was conducted under the supervision of ACP Operations Padam Singh Rana. Several officers, including sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables, were deployed strategically around Turkman Road near Zakir Hussain College.
Police officials stated that the accused arrived near the location around 10:20 pm. As soon as they noticed the police presence, the shooters allegedly opened indiscriminate fire in an attempt to escape. Investigators said four rounds were fired toward the police team during the encounter.
Inspector’s Bulletproof Jacket Saves Life During Encounter
One of the bullets reportedly struck the bulletproof jacket worn by Inspector Rohit Kumar. Despite the danger, the police team continued the operation with restraint and tactical precision. Officers retaliated in self-defense and managed to injure both accused in their legs before overpowering and arresting them.
The courage displayed by the Delhi Police team during the operation has drawn appreciation from senior officials. Police sources emphasized that the operation could have turned deadly, especially considering the aggressive firing allegedly carried out by the accused. The bulletproof jacket worn by the officer is believed to have prevented a serious injury.
Both injured accused were immediately shifted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital under police supervision for treatment. Officials confirmed that the situation was brought under control without harm to civilians despite the operation taking place in a populated area of Central Delhi.
Illegal Weapons and Stolen Scooty Recovered
During the search operation, police recovered one pistol with a magazine, one country-made katta, three live cartridges, ten empty cartridge cases, and the brown-colored scooter used by the accused. Further verification revealed that the scooter had been stolen in a previous theft case registered at Police Station Malviya Nagar in South Delhi.
Investigators believe the recovery of illegal firearms and the stolen vehicle indicates the level of planning and preparation involved in the activities of these gangsters. Police officials said such recoveries are crucial in understanding how organized criminal groups continue to operate across districts while relying on stolen vehicles and illegal weapons to evade detection.
Earlier Arrests Linked to the Same Gang Case
The arrest of the two shooters is being seen as an important breakthrough in the recent Karol Bagh firing case, which had raised concerns over the growing activities of gangsters in busy commercial and residential areas of Delhi. Police believe the accused were linked to rival gang activities and may have been preparing another violent attack.
Earlier, several other accused connected to the same case had already been arrested during continuous raids conducted under Operation Gang Bust. These accused included Pankaj alias Mohit, Ajay alias Gunga, Montu, and Aakash. However, Deepanshu alias Sahil alias Bouncer and Avinash had managed to evade arrest for a significant period, making them priority targets for the Special Staff.
Police officials stated that Operation Gang Bust was launched to identify and neutralize gangsters and habitual offenders involved in violent crimes across Central and North Delhi. The operation focuses on intelligence-based policing, continuous surveillance, and coordinated field action against criminal networks.
Growing Concern Over Gangsters in Delhi
Over the last few years, Delhi has witnessed repeated incidents involving gangsters, including firing cases, extortion threats, robbery, and targeted attacks linked to gang rivalries. Criminal groups often recruit young men from vulnerable backgrounds, using money, drugs, and local influence to expand their networks.
Investigators said Deepanshu alias Sahil alias Bouncer had studied up to Class 10 before dropping out of school. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted to falling into bad company and developing alcohol and drug addiction. Police officials claimed his increasing expenses pushed him toward criminal activities. He was already involved in several criminal cases, including robbery and violent offences.
Police records show his previous involvements include cases registered at Sarai Rohilla and Anand Parbat police stations. He had also reportedly spent time in jail in earlier matters.
Similarly, accused Avinash had completed graduation but allegedly became involved in criminal activities after associating with local gangsters. According to investigators, he too admitted to alcohol and drug addiction during questioning. Police said he had earlier been involved in a robbery case and had previously been lodged in jail.
Delhi Police Praised for Courage and Quick Action
Law enforcement officials often point to substance abuse, unemployment, and the lure of quick money as major factors pushing young individuals toward organized crime. However, officers also stress that strong policing and consistent action against gangsters are necessary to prevent such criminal networks from spreading further.
The recent encounter operation has once again brought attention to the risks faced by police personnel during anti-gang operations. Delhi Police officers involved in field operations frequently confront armed gangsters who are prepared to fire at law enforcement teams to avoid arrest.
Senior officials praised the Special Staff team for acting with professionalism and courage during the encounter. Sources within the department said the operation reflected the growing focus on proactive policing and rapid response to intelligence inputs.
Investigation Continues Into Larger Gang Network
Security experts believe sustained crackdowns on gangsters are essential to maintaining public confidence and reducing violent crime in urban areas. Organized criminal groups often attempt to dominate local territories through fear and intimidation, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.
Police officers involved in anti-gang operations also emphasize the importance of local intelligence networks and surveillance systems in tracking the movement of suspects. In many cases, secret informers and technical surveillance help authorities prevent planned attacks before they occur.
In the current case, police claimed that timely action possibly prevented another firing incident linked to gang rivalry. Had the accused not been intercepted, officials believe there was a strong possibility of violence erupting in the Central Delhi area.
A fresh FIR has been registered at Police Station Kamla Market under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Investigators are now examining whether the accused had links with larger criminal syndicates operating in Delhi and neighboring states.
Police are also expected to investigate the source of the recovered firearms and determine whether additional gangsters were involved in planning the alleged attack. Officials said interrogation of the accused could lead to further arrests in the coming days.
