An old grudge, a murder plot and an ambush: Attack on Haridwar gangster sparks police suspensions

Police said they arrested both accused, Sunny Yadav and Ajay Sain, from the forests of Khanpur. The suspects, previously jailed for a dacoity in Kashipur, were allegedly tailing Tyagi, who has more than 60 cases against him across states and had been in Roorkee jail since earlier this month on fraud and forgery charges.

According to police, the initial investigation points to a monetary dispute as the motive. When Yadav demanded his money back, Tyagi allegedly kept threatening to have him killed.

“After multiple recces, Yadav came to know that Tyagi was lodged in Roorkee Jail and would be produced before the Laksar court on Thursday. Based on this information, the duo carried out the incident with the intention of revenge,” SSP Dobhal said.

Police said both accused have been arrested and illegal weapons used in the firing recovered.

“The vehicle was trapped in traffic, and the duo pulled up and shot at close range, hitting him with three bullets on his hand, shoulder, and chest,” said Haridwar Rural SP Shekhar Suyal, adding that Tyagi has suffered damage to multiple organs due to internal injuries.

Meanwhile, a sub-inspector and two constables who accompanied the victim during the court production have been suspended. Dobhal said the probe found negligence and a detailed investigation will follow.