New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) – The Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell (AEKC) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch conducted a daring operation that led to the arrest of six individuals believed to be Bangladeshi nationals affiliated with a notorious dacoity gang following a gunfight, as reported by officials on Wednesday.

The police revealed that the suspects had unlawfully crossed into India and were implicated in a series of violent robberies across various states. Their capture is anticipated to help solve numerous outstanding cases of theft, robbery, and murder reported in Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and beyond.

Authorities stated that the Crime Branch had been monitoring this gang for a considerable time, especially after they initially targeted Delhi and then expanded their operations nationwide.

Last year, this gang was involved in two significant dacoities in Goa, where they harmed victims and stole cash and jewelry worth several lakhs. Similar incidents were documented in Karnataka.

Following persistent intelligence reports and collaboration with the Goa Police, the AEKC team executed a concentrated operation.

During the night of April 14-15, a specific tip-off from Sub-Inspector Ashok Kumar suggested that the gang would gather near the Sarai Kale Khan cremation ground to strategize for another theft in South Delhi.

Acting on this information, a unit led by ACP Pankaj Arora, under the oversight of DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, set a trap at the designated site. The team was comprised of several Crime Branch officers who carried out a synchronized operation during the midnight hours.

Upon being encircled, the suspects resisted arrest and fired upon the officers. In response, the police maintained composure while engaging in a controlled exchange of gunfire, returning three shots in response to the gang's attack.

After a brief confrontation, six suspects were captured. They have been identified as Suman Hauldhar (35), Saifful Islam (31), Sohail Sheikh (35), Md. Nasir (48), Noor Islam (56), and Zakir (40), all reported to be residents of Bangladesh.

Authorities recovered four homemade pistols, live ammunition, and specialized tools typically used for burglaries from their possession. A case has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act at the Crime Branch police station.

Two other suspects, identified as Shakayat and Illiyas, managed to escape into the darkness, and efforts are ongoing to locate them.

Investigators indicated that the gang had been active for several years, employing a strategy of "hit-run-hide," entering India via illegal routes, committing crimes, and then fleeing back across the border.

They reportedly operated under masked identities, targeting isolated and wealthy households, often resorting to violence against those who resisted.

Authorities further disclosed that the gang maintained connections with local contacts and relatives in India who aided in identifying potential targets and provided logistical support, including weaponry.

The accused are believed to have relied on human smugglers for facilitating cross-border movements and avoided using mobile devices to escape detection.

Officials noted that the gang is wanted in numerous cases across various states, and non-bailable warrants have already been issued against some of the suspects in earlier cases in Delhi.

The investigation is ongoing, with police striving to uncover the full scope of the network and locate remaining members involved in the criminal activities.