Delhi Police on Thursday, 2 September arrested eight accused persons in connection with the murder of Md. Irshad Alam alias Guddu Badshah, who was shot dead at Lal Kuan in Pul Prahladpur, Delhi in late July. The arrests followed an extensive interstate investigation covering approximately 12,000 km across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

How the Murder Unfolded

According to the police, information about a firing incident at D-29, Chungi No. 3, Lal Kuan was received on 28 July. Officers arriving at the scene found Guddu Badshah dead and Md. Farukh injured with a firearm wound. The Crime Team and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) inspected the site, recovering blood-stained exhibits, empty cartridges, live cartridges, and metallic projectiles.

The investigation revealed that the killing stemmed from an old rivalry between the deceased and two of the accused — Md. Shamshad and Md. Ashafak — originating from their native area in Bihar's Supaul district. The accused allegedly hatched a conspiracy to lure Guddu Badshah from Bihar to Delhi under the pretext of settling their longstanding dispute. The purported settlement meeting was used as a trap; he was brought to a rented premises in Lal Kuan, where he was shot dead.

How the Accused Tried to Evade Arrest

The accused reportedly attempted to evade detection by switching off their mobile phones, frequently changing locations, and communicating through internet-based platforms and mobile hotspots. However, a combination of technical surveillance, field intelligence, Call Detail Record (CDR) analysis, and electronic evidence enabled police to trace and apprehend all eight suspects.

Notably, Md. Farukh — who had initially presented himself as an injured victim — was arrested on 28 July itself after inconsistencies in his account emerged during questioning. Md. Aftab was traced to Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu and apprehended with the assistance of local police.

Roles of the Eight Accused

Police say each accused played a distinct role in the conspiracy. Md. Farukh (27), a Delhi resident, gained the confidence of the deceased, facilitated coordination among co-accused, and attempted to mislead investigators. Md. Aftab, a Bihar native, coordinated the movement and assembly of the alleged execution team. Md. Irfan (23) of Sahibabad, Ghaziabad provided shelter and logistical support after the offence and concealed illegal arms; one illegal pistol, one extra magazine, and live cartridges were recovered based on his disclosure.

Md. Shamshad (28) and Md. Ashafak (23), both residents of Supaul, Bihar, are identified as principal conspirators who communicated through internet-based platforms. Both reportedly have prior criminal antecedents, including involvement in a murder case registered in Supaul. Md. Rahmatullah alias Chhotu (22) participated in the execution of the assault and subsequently helped conceal material evidence. Md. Shoib Akhtar, also from Supaul, accompanied the execution team during their movement from Tamil Nadu to Delhi. Aman Yadav (25) of Pul Prahladpur arranged accommodation and logistics for co-accused near Lal Kuan, accompanied Aftab, Rahmatullah, and Shoib Akhtar on his motorcycle on the night of the incident, and participated in the firing — reportedly after being offered financial consideration.

Evidence Recovered and Forensic Examination

During the investigation, police recovered one illegal pistol, one extra magazine, live cartridges, and other material evidence. Recovery of two additional illegal firearms and other case property allegedly concealed by Aman Yadav and Farukh is ongoing. The recovered firearm and ammunition are being subjected to forensic and ballistic examination to establish their connection with the offence.

CCTV footage and other electronic evidence were examined, while coordinated raids were conducted at multiple locations across the five states involved.

Current Status and What Comes Next

All eight accused have been produced before a court. Police have characterised the killing as a pre-planned murder pursuant to an alleged criminal conspiracy. Further investigation is underway, including the pursuit of additional case property and corroboration of digital and communication links. The scale of the operation — 12,000 km across five states — underscores the organised nature of the alleged conspiracy and the cross-state coordination required to dismantle it.