Attack on BJP leader: Three arrested, main accused still on the run

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday arrested three persons in connection with the attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Brijpal Teotia on late Tuesday night. However, the police say the main 

accused is still on the run and a massive hunt is on to nab him.

The cops said that Rahul Tyagi, a member of the dreaded Rahul Khatta gang from Baghpat, Nishant Bhadoriya, Jitender, aka Pope and Ram Kumar from Ghaziabad were arrested by the UP STF. 

“We have arrested the three assailants and more information would be made available as the day progresses,” said Additional Director General (Law & Order) Daljit Singh.

As per the report, there were about seven assailants in a Fortuner SUV who had ambushed Teotia with one more attacker on a scooty. Another eight helped coordinate the attack, planning and managing resources. 

Some of the suspects were in the CCTV footage procured by the police. Attempts on the BJP leader’s life were made on August 5, 8 and 9 but were foiled by his bullet-proof Pajero car. 

On August 11, Teotia had travelled in a regular Scorpio car, making him vulnerable to attackers.

The murder of Suresh Diwan in 1999 might have led to the attack as Diwan’s son Manish suspects Teotia’s involvement. 

Police suspect Manish arranged for the AK-47 rifle. They also suspect he received help from his cousin Manoj, who hails from Mehrauli and also holds a grudge against Teotia. Manish, Manoj and other suspects are at large. 

Police are also investigating the role of Sunita, wife of slain gangster Rakesh Hasanpuriya, who was in touch with Manoj.

The BJP leader last week sustained severe injuries after a gang of unidentified assailants opened fire at his SUV in Rawli Road when he was coming from Murad Nagar to Ghaziabad. 

According to reports, he sustained about five gunshot wounds after his car was attacked. The police had recovered an AK-47, two pistols, one rifle and a large cache of ammunition used in the attack on the BJP leader. Teotia was traveling with five others, including his bodyguards.