Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has arrested two close aides of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi from the Patiala–Ambala highway in a major operation ahead of Independence Day, officials said.
The accused, identified as Akshay Dellu and Ankit Bishnoi, had returned from Nepal after hiding there for about one and a half months.
DIG AGTF Gurmeet Chauhan told India Today, “The AGTF launched an operation and nabbed two operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. We learnt that they were here to execute some major crime. We cannot say exactly if they were to do something on Independence Day, but we will question them in detail”.
Police said Akshay was wanted in a murder case in Delhi and other crimes in the NCR, while both men were also accused in the recent killing of Bharat Ratan alias Vicky in Fazilka.
After that murder, they fled to Nepal, allegedly acting on instructions from foreign-based handlers.
On receiving input about their return, AGTF teams tracked their location and moved in for the arrest. Officers recovered a Glock pistol and six cartridges from them.
The DIG said the AGTF is on high alert, keeping a close watch on the activities of gangs and their associates. “They both have foreign-based handlers and take directions from them,” he added.
Police records show the duo have an extensive criminal background, with cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion, and offences under the Arms Act and NDPS Act in Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Gujarat.
An FIR under relevant sections of the Arms Act has been registered at the State Crime Police Station in SAS Nagar. Interrogation is underway to determine their plans and links to other criminal operations.
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