Chandigarh: A joint operation by Gurugram Police and the Special Task Force (STF) foiled a plot to kill Bollywood singer Rahul Fazilpuria, leading to the arrest of five alleged gangsters in a shootout on Pataudi Road, Wazirpur.
The operation was launched following intelligence inputs that gangsters Deepak Nandal and Rohit Sardhaniya, currently operating from abroad, had conspired to target the singer. The plot surfaced after the murder of Fazilpuria’s associate, Rohit Shaukeen, earlier this month.
During the encounter, around 18 rounds were exchanged. Four suspects sustained bullet injuries to their legs, while one was apprehended unhurt. Two police officers escaped serious harm thanks to their bulletproof jackets.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Vinod alias Pehalwan, Padam alias Raja, Ashish alias Aashu, Gautam alias Gogi, and Shubham alias Kala, all hailing from Jhajjar and Sonipat districts. Police said they are believed to be operatives of the overseas-based gangsters.
After a tip-off, the police intercepted an Innova without a numberplate leading to the exchange of fire between police personnel and the suspects.
STF DSP Pritpal Singh confirmed the group’s ties to Nandal and Sardhaniya. He said that further investigations are underway to uncover their criminal history.
This incident follows a July 14 attack on Fazilpuria along Southern Peripheral Road, where he escaped unharmed, and the August 4 killing of Shaukeen in Gurugram.
Both attacks were claimed by overseas-based gangsters Sunil Sardhaniya and Deepak Nandal alongwith Sardhaniya, a Rohtak native having multiple criminal cases registered against him.
Sardhaniya fled abroad last year on a forged passport. Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down the masterminds and their networks.