Locals attack investigators during raid at suspect's hideout in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD: A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, during a joint operation with Ghaziabad police, was attacked in Bhojpur on Sunday, when they conducted a raid to arrest an arms smuggler involved in the murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Ravinder Gosain in Punjab's Ludhiana, said police.

The accused Malook is wanted for supplying arms and ammunition used in the killing of Gosain.

However, the accused managed to flee, taking advantage of a scuffle that erupted between the police and locals.

A constable of Uttar Pradesh Police SOG (Special Operations Group), Tahjib Khan, received injuries on his leg and a police vehicle badly damaged in the firing and stone pelting incident initiated by locals.

"During the raid, a large crowd of men and women tried to obstruct local police and the NIA team. Some people in the mob started firing at the parties, which was followed by stone pelting.

"The mob also caused multiple road blocks to obstruct officials. The UP Police and NIA personnel fired in the air in self defence," an NIA statement said.

"Acting on more leads, raid was conducted at the residence of suspect Malook, a native of village Nahali in Pilakhuwa area of Ghaziabad district, later in the morning. Two suspects are currently being questioned regarding their alleged involvement in the case. Efforts are being made to locate Malook," the NIA added.