Two teens working as ‘shooters’ with Lawrence Bishnoi gang apprehended

Both incidents took place on the intervening night of January 12 and 13.

The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Delhi Police had received a tip-off that the alleged shooters would be passing through Burari, carrying firearms, on Wednesday.

A police team led by Sub Inspector Jagbir Singh laid a trap at Pushta Nala Road near Hiranki around 1.25 am. Police said the suspects arrived on a scooter. When they were signalled to stop, the pillion rider allegedly opened fire at the police team, firing two rounds.

“One bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of constable Deepanshu. The police retaliated, and a bullet fired by the same constable hit the assailant’s right foot, bringing him down. The rider attempted to flee, pistol in hand, but was overpowered,” DCP (North) Raja Banthia said.

Deepak, who was injured in the exchange of fire, was taken to Burari Government Hospital, while the juvenile was apprehended at the spot, said police.

During questioning, the accused allegedly told police that they are school dropouts who came in contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang through social media two to three months ago.

“Their handlers, operating from abroad, communicated via encrypted messaging apps, supplied weapons through local conduits, and promised Rs 2 lakh for carrying out the shootings. The pair had already received Rs 50,000,” an officer said.

“Randeep Malik, who orchestrated the shooting of gym owner Nadir Shah in 2024, and Anil Pandit, were in touch with the teens through the Signal app,” the officer added.

Police said they have recovered clothes worn during both the shootings. “We are now pursuing other members of the network,” said the officer.

Following the two shootings, Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Ravindra Singh Yadav had ordered heightened surveillance across districts, with particular emphasis on online monitoring of criminal activities.