Lawrence Bishnoi gang shooters killed in Bahadurgarh encounter, constable hurt
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two alleged shooters of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, each carrying a cash reward of ₹1 lakh, were killed in a joint police encounter near the Balaur bypass in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, on Sunday, 5 July, officials confirmed. The operation was conducted by a combined team of the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) and the Delhi Police Special Cell.
How the Encounter Unfolded
Acting on specific intelligence that the two wanted criminals were planning to carry out a major crime in Bahadurgarh, the joint team laid a trap near the Balaur bypass. According to officials, the suspects opened indiscriminate fire the moment they spotted the police, triggering a fierce exchange in which approximately 12 to 13 rounds were fired before both accused were neutralised.
One police constable sustained serious injuries during the gunfight and was referred to a higher medical centre after initial treatment. Four other personnel escaped unharmed — bullets fired by the accused struck their bulletproof jackets, officials said.
Who the Deceased Were
The two men killed were identified as Pravesh, a resident of Tibba Danasher in Hisar district, and Himanshu, a resident of Jakhod Khera village in Hisar district. Both were allegedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had been on the police wanted list for several weeks.
According to police, the duo were the prime accused in the murder of a gym owner in Hansi last month — a case that had been under active investigation by the Haryana STF.
What Officials Said
Haryana STF Superintendent of Police Vikrant Bhushan confirmed the encounter and stated that the two deceased were wanted in connection with the Hansi gym owner murder case. Senior officers reached the encounter site shortly after the operation, and the area was cordoned off for forensic examination and further investigation.
Officials added that details regarding weapons recovered and the full criminal antecedents of the accused were to be disclosed at a press conference scheduled later in the day.
Lawrence Bishnoi Gang: A Pattern of Violence
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been linked to a series of high-profile crimes across northern India, including targeted killings and extortion. This is among the latest in a string of encounters and arrests involving alleged members of the network, which operates across state lines and has drawn sustained attention from both state police forces and central agencies. The Haryana STF and Delhi Police Special Cell have jointly pursued several leads in recent months as part of a coordinated crackdown.
Investigation Status
A detailed probe into the encounter is underway, officials said. The site has been secured for forensic teams, and further findings — including recovered weapons and a fuller account of the suspects' criminal history — are expected to be made public. The injured constable's condition remains under medical observation.