New Delhi: In one of the Delhi's most deadly shootouts at Fatehpur Beri's Channan Hola village, four hardcore criminals of the 'Kranti gang' were gunned down by Delhi Police on Saturday. In the 15 minute long encounter and exchange of fire, eight policemen too were injured with six of them receiving bullet injuries. Cops said that the condition of a head constable is serious as he received a gunshot wound in his neck in the shootout.
The 'Kranti gang' members along with their leader Rajesh Bharti who was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh from both Haryana and Delhi were intercepted in South Delhi's Fatehpur Beri near a farmhouse. "Our team were after the gang for the past seven months. When we challenged them, they opened fire at our team, injuring our police team. Our teams then took positions and retaliated. In the firing, four members of the Kranti gang were killed, including its leader Rajesh Bharti and secod in command Sanjay Vidroh," said DCP (Special Cell) P S Kushwaah.
Police said that the gang, which was initially active in Haryana, had recently started spreading its tentacles in Delhi. It was involved in kidnapping for ransom, extortion and robbery.
"They were so daring that after firing, they left their message in envelopes as "Kranti gang' to instill fear among its victims," said the officer. More than 40 rounds were fired in the shootout that started at around 1:15 pm on Saturday. Blood soaked bodies were seen inside the two cars that the criminals were using for movement.
Amongst the criminals who were declared dead are Rajesh Bharti, Sanjeev Vidroh, Umesh alias Don, Viresh Rana. The fifth member of the gang Kapil, a resident of Jeend, Haryana, has been admitted at AIIMS Trauma Center.
The police said that Head Constable Girdhir, who received a bullet in his neck, is in serious condition.