New Delhi: Delhi Police have arrested a 22-year-old man allegedly linked to the Naveen Bali–Neeraj Bawana gang and recovered eight firearms and 30 live cartridges from his possession. According to police, the accused was allegedly planning to target a member of the rival Gogi gang in the Alipur area. A stolen Suzuki Access scooter, reportedly linked to a theft case registered at Adarsh Nagar police station, was also recovered.
Secret Intelligence Leads to Targeted Operation
Addressing a press conference at the North District Police headquarters, Deputy Commissioner of Police Niharika Bhatt said the Anti-Narcotics Squad had received confidential intelligence about a suspected shooter and an alleged murder conspiracy.
Following the information, a police team prepared an operation under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Vishal Dhattarwal and Inspector Ashish Dubey of the Special Task Force and Anti-Narcotics Squad.
At approximately 11:55 pm on October 22, officers laid a trap on Ring Road beneath Yudhishthir Setu near Kashmere Gate. The suspect arrived on a blue scooter from the Civil Lines direction and was identified with the help of an informer before being apprehended. He was identified as Harsh, a resident of Nangal Thakran village in Bawana.
Eight Firearms and 30 Cartridges Recovered
During the search, police recovered a semi-automatic pistol loaded with five cartridges from the accused’s waistband. A subsequent search of his black bag led to the recovery of two additional semi-automatic pistols, five country-made pistols and 25 live cartridges.
The total seizure comprised three semi-automatic pistols, five country-made pistols and 30 live cartridges. Of the ammunition recovered, 20 cartridges were of 7.65 mm calibre and 10 were of 8 mm calibre.
What Was the Alleged Plan Behind the Weapons?
According to police, the accused allegedly told investigators that he had collected firearms and ammunition from the trans-Yamuna area on the instructions of gang members. He was reportedly planning to travel to Alipur with an accomplice to carry out the alleged killing.
Police are investigating these claims and working to establish the identity of the intended target, trace the alleged arms suppliers and identify other people who may have been involved. The alleged conspiracy remains under investigation.
Three Previous Criminal Cases Under Scrutiny
Police said three previous criminal cases involving the accused were registered at Bawana, Kanjhawala and NIA police stations. The cases reportedly relate to offences under the Arms Act, robbery and kidnapping.
The recovered scooter was identified as stolen through the ZIPNET system. A separate case was registered at Kashmere Gate police station on October 23 under Section 25 of the Arms Act.
The police team involved in the operation included Sub-Inspectors Jagbir and Praveen, Assistant Sub-Inspector Vijay, Head Constables Ashish and Rahul, and Constables Deepanshu and Vineet.
Under the leadership of DCP Niharika Bhatt, investigators are continuing efforts to trace the source of the weapons, identify potential accomplices and establish the full sequence of events surrounding the alleged plot.
