GURGAON (HARYANA): In a late-night joint operation, the Special Task Force (STF) and Gurgaon Crime Branch arrested five shooters allegedly involved in a conspiracy to murder Bollywood singer Rahul Fazilpuriya and linked to the recent killing of his friend Rohit Shaukeen.
Operation based on gang intel
Initial intelligence indicated that gangsters Deepak Nandal and Rohit Sirdhania, operating from abroad, had plotted the assassination of Fazilpuriya following Shaukeen’s murder earlier this month.
Acting on the tip-off, police teams laid a trap near Wazirpur area along the Gurgaon–Pataudi Road around 12:15 am. When an Innova without a number plate was intercepted, the armed criminals inside allegedly opened fire on police personnel.
Encounter and arrests
In retaliation, police returned fire, injuring four suspects in the legs. The arrested individuals have been identified as:
-
Vinod Pehalwan (Jhajjar)
Padam alias Raja (Sonipat)
Shubham alias Kala
Gautam alias Gogi
Ashish alias Ashu
A senior officer confirmed that Gautam was apprehended on the spot, while the others are under treatment at a government hospital and will be formally arrested upon discharge. Their conditions are stated to be stable.
Online threats to singer
Sources revealed that the accused had earlier posted multiple online threats to Fazilpuriya and had publicly claimed responsibility for Shaukeen’s killing. Police believe the conspiracy was being directed from overseas by Nandal and Sirdhania.
Next steps in investigation
Authorities are now focusing on tracing the weapons used in the crime, uncovering the financial trail of the gang, and identifying other associates involved in the planned attack. Cyber teams are also monitoring social media activity linked to the suspects.
Conclusion
The swift action by the STF and Crime Branch has potentially averted another high-profile killing in Haryana’s entertainment circuit. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the gang’s operations and overseas links.