Delhi Police have foiled an alleged conspiracy to carry out a targeted killing of a key prosecution witness, a plan that investigators say was orchestrated from inside Mandoli Jail. Four people, including an incarcerated gangster described as the mastermind, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Gangster allegedly planned murder from jail
The accused include Irfan alias Chhenu Pehalwan, currently lodged in Mandoli Jail, and his alleged associates Adeeb (22), Farman and Usman. Police said the conspiracy involved arranging weapons, mobilising funds and deploying shooters to eliminate a protected witness in a pending criminal case that could adversely affect Irfan.
Weapon recovered during late-night raid
The plot came to light after police received specific intelligence about an imminent attempt on the witness’s life. Acting on the input, a team conducted a late-night operation in the Shastri Park area on January 24, leading to the arrest of Adeeb, a resident of Chauhan Banger.
During the raid, police recovered a semi-automatic pistol and five live cartridges from Adeeb. A case under the Arms Act was registered, and his interrogation allegedly revealed the wider conspiracy.
Money routed through tea stall
A senior police officer said Adeeb disclosed that the weapon was procured on Irfan’s instructions. He also named Farman and another associate as part of the execution plan. Police later clarified that Usman played a crucial logistical role, particularly in arranging funds.
Investigators said money for the planned killing was routed through a tea stall in Seelampur to avoid suspicion. Usman allegedly delivered the cash to the stall owner, from where it was to be distributed among those involved.
Multiple arrests, stringent sections invoked
Following further raids, Farman was arrested on January 26 and Usman on January 27. Irfan alias Chhenu Pehalwan was formally arrested in the case on January 28, despite already being in judicial custody.
Police have invoked stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 55 (abetment) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy). Further investigation is underway, while the identity of the intended target has been withheld for security reasons.