Rajasthan encounter: Murder suspect Chetram Gurjar shot in leg after firing on police near Lalsot
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A police team was fired upon near Lalsot in Dausa district, Rajasthan, in the early hours of Monday, 4 May, when officers attempted to intercept three suspects wanted in a murder case, officials said. The retaliatory firing by police left the main accused, Chetram Gurjar alias Rahul Khatana, with a bullet injury to his leg.
How the Encounter Unfolded
According to Circle Inspector Pawan Kumar Jat, police received specific intelligence at around 2:15 am on Monday regarding the movement of three suspects wanted in connection with the murder of one Dharmendra Meena. The accused were reportedly heading toward Riwaali village in Bamanwas, Sawai Madhopur.
A joint team comprising the District Special Team and local police intercepted the suspects near Binori Mod in Jaipur. When officers signalled them to stop, the accused allegedly opened fire using a country-made pistol. Police first issued a warning, but when the firing continued, they retaliated, striking Chetram Gurjar in the leg.
Two Others Injured in Motorcycle Crash
In the chaos that followed the exchange of fire, the suspects' motorcycle went out of control and crashed. The two other accused — identified as Deshraj and Kallu — sustained injuries in the crash. All three were initially admitted to the district hospital in Lalsot and subsequently referred to Dausa for further treatment. Police have taken all three accused into custody.
The Murder That Triggered the Chase
The accused are wanted in connection with the murder of Dharmendra Meena on 10 April, which allegedly followed a dispute at a restaurant near Jamat Crossroads in Lalsot. During the altercation, Chetram Gurjar allegedly opened fire on Meena, resulting in his death. The case has been under active investigation since then, with police tracking the suspects' movements over the intervening weeks.
Investigation Status
Police said further investigation into the case is underway. The recovery of the country-made pistol allegedly used in both the original murder and the Monday encounter is expected to be a key focus of the probe. This incident reflects a broader pattern of armed confrontations between Rajasthan police and suspects in rural districts, particularly in cases involving firearm-related crimes.