Two arrested for killing cop

Two persons have been arrested for shooting dead a constable and injuring his colleague in outer Delhi on Monday.

Police said a group of burglars, at least a couple of them recently released from jail, was behind the murderous assault and hunt is on for the rest.

Sources revealed to this newspaper that two others suspects have been “picked up” for questioning in this connection and police are dealing cautiously with them as it has emerged that they could be minors.

Officers authorised to speak to media, however, insisted they have so far held only two suspects.

The arrested men allegedly include auto driver Ved Rampal, 32, who was carrying the suspects in his three-wheeler at the time of the crime and 23-year-old burglar Santosh.

The service revolver of slain Jagbir Singh and the vehicle which was carrying the accused have been recovered, said police on Tuesday. The gang of four was allegedly planning a burglary in the area when they were stopped by the two constables. 

They were equipped with three country-made pistols apart from a glass-cutter used to break into target houses. A police officer said Constable Jagbir had noticed the glass-cutter during the night patrol and that had drawn his suspicion.
The suspects told police that they had panicked on being cornered by the policemen and first tried to escape. But when the constables confronted them, they resorted to shoot them.

Several police teams had been formed soon after the attack and one of them learnt that it could be the handiwork of a team of burglars, some of them recently released from jail.

“Raids were conducted in the Shahbad Dairy area after conducting a thorough recce, and Santosh was nabbed. He confessed to the crime,” said the officer.

Meanwhile, police began a search for the vehicle used in the crime. “Efforts led us to its driver Rampal. The vehicle has also been seized. Both have confessed to being a part of the crime,” said the officer.

Santosh is accused of previously being involved in eight counts of crimes such as murder, robbery and Arms Act, and it is alleged he shot dead Jagbir.