Haryana: Two Criminals Injured in Fierce Police Encounter in Panipat
Panipat, Haryana – A late-night police encounter in Panipat on Tuesday left two wanted criminals injured after they allegedly opened fire on a law enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest. The high-stakes operation was conducted by a joint team of the Panipat Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and local police on the city’s outskirts.
Intelligence-Led Operation on Sanoli Road
According to Haryana\ Police”>Haryana Police sources, the CIA had received specific intelligence about the movement of two key members of a gang notorious for robberies and dacoities across Panipat and Sonipat. Acting on this information, a special team set up a strategic checkpoint near the Sanoli road area to intercept the suspects.
Around 11:30 PM, two men on a motorcycle who matched the description were signalled to stop. Instead of complying, the riders accelerated in a bid to breach the police barricade.
Suspects Open Fire, Police Retaliate
Realising they were cornered, the pillion rider allegedly drew a country-made pistol and fired directly at the police officers. A senior official commented, “They showed no hesitation in using lethal force, forcing our team to retaliate in self-defence.”
The police team returned fire, and in the brief but intense shootout that followed, both suspects sustained gunshot wounds to their legs. The non-fatal injuries were aimed at incapacitating them, causing them to lose control of their vehicle. They were promptly apprehended at the scene.
Notorious Criminals Identified
The injured have been identified as Vikas, alias ‘Vikki’, and his associate, Sandeep. Both have extensive criminal records, including cases of robbery, attempted murder, and violations of the Arms Act across multiple districts. A bounty of ₹50,000 had previously been announced for information leading to Vikas’s arrest.
Panipat Superintendent of Police (SP), Ajit Singh Shekhawat, praised his team’s courage. “This was a well-coordinated operation based on precise intelligence. The message is clear: there is no place for lawlessness in Haryana. We will continue our zero-tolerance policy against such elements.”
Investigation Underway
Police recovered two illegal firearms, live cartridges, and a stolen motorcycle from the criminals. The injured duo has been admitted to Panipat Civil Hospital under police custody and will be formally arrested once medically fit. Authorities are hopeful that their interrogation will lead to dismantling their entire gang and solving other pending cases.
