JOIN USEscaped prisoner arrested
An undertrial, who had escaped from judicial custody from Rohini court, was arrested along with an accomplice in outer Delhi’s Alipur on Sunday, police said.
Police identified the accused as Neeraj Pal, 25, of Pitampura, and his accomplice Pradeep, 28, who belongs to Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. Police had placed a reward of Rs 50,000 on Neeraj’s arrest.
“On March 30, Neeraj had escaped from judicial custody from the Rohini Court premises when he was being produced there in a case of dacoity at a jewellery showroom in Rohini,” said Sanjay Kumar, additional commissioner of police (outer).
After his escape, Neeraj was threatening eyewitness not to depose against him and his gang members. He then organised his gang and committed contract killings in UP and robberies in Delhi.
On Sunday, police were tipped off about the whereabouts of Neeraj and his gang. They laid a trap on G T Karnal Road. Police spotted two persons arriving towards them on a motorcycle.
“When they were signalled to stop, they fired at the police party. After a brief encounter, they were overpowered, and later identified as Neeraj and Pradeep,” Kumar added.
Police also seized two pistols, including a country-made, with live cartridges. According to Kumar, in 2011, Neeraj with his accomplice allegedly committed two dacoity and a murder in Ashok Vihar and Maurya Enclave. In June 19 this year, he with his aides allegedly looted and shot at a businessman in Mianwali Nagar.
Police also claimed that Pradeep had allegedly committed more than 20 heinous crimes from 2001 to 2013.