Gangster Amit Lakra murder: 2 more accused arrested after exchange of fire with Delhi Police

Khilla and Jaurasi did not surrender despite being asked to do so, but instead started firing at the police team, officers said. “The team also retaliated in self-defence, and the accused were overpowered and apprehended. Both the accused sustained injuries on their legs during the shootout,” said DCP Tayal.

According to the police, Khilla, a resident of Sonipat, was in direct touch with jailed members of the Tajpuriya-Bambiha gang and hatched the plan to execute Lakra. Ankit Jaurasi, an alleged sharp-shooter from Jaurasi village in Panipat, was the one who recruited the shooters Nihaal and Tushar to murder Lakra. Nihaal was arrested on November 13, while Tushar was arrested on November 16, the police said.

Amit, who was recently out on bail in an alleged robbery case, was shot six times. Three days later, the Tajpuriya-Bambiha gang reportedly claimed responsibility for the shooting in a social media post. The post, in Hindi, said Lakra was murdered because he “provided logistical support to our rival gang members lodged in Tihar Jail” and urged traders not to pay any money to the rival gang.

The rivalry between the Jitender Gogi and Tajpuriya gangs dates back to 2010. Gogi and Tajpuriya were close aides but fell out during a student union election. Over the years, the rivalry has claimed at least 25 lives, police sources said. Gogi was gunned down inside Rohini court in 2020, allegedly at the behest of Tajpuriya, who was in jail at the time. In August 2023, Tajpuriya was stabbed to death inside Tihar Jail, allegedly by members of the Gogi gang.