In Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh, nine members of the dreaded Uttam Yadav gang have been arrested for firing at a jewellery showroom in broad daylight on June 22 and threatening traders, police officials confirmed.
The arrests were made on Thursday as the gang was allegedly planning another serious crime within the city.
Gang leader Uttam Yadav had earlier released a video claiming responsibility for the attack, which created widespread panic among the business community. The incident led to shops remaining closed for a day and a candlelight protest by local traders.
According to Hazaribagh SP Anjani Anjan, police received intelligence that gang members, carrying firearms, were roaming around the city on a black motorcycle and an SUV with the intention of committing another crime.
A police team was quickly deployed, setting up a blockade near Carmel School. When the suspects attempted to escape, they were caught after a short chase, and seven youths were detained.
Upon questioning, the detainees confessed they were working under Uttam Yadav’s orders. Among them, Shakti Giri, also known as Psycho Tiger from Pathalgadda in Chatra district, was identified as the person who opened fire at the jewellery showroom.
Two additional suspects were arrested based on the information provided during interrogation, from Karamtoli, Ranchi.
The police recovered two pistols, eight live rounds, and mobile phones used in plotting their crimes.
The arrested individuals are between 18 to 25 years of age and include Manish Yadav, Mukesh Kumar Soni, Rahul Kumar Verma, Shubham Agarwal, Golu Kumar, Ravi Roshan, Nitish Kumar, Badal Kumar Singh, and Shakti Giri.
After the arrests, police paraded the accused through Hazaribagh to send a strong message.
SP Anjan stated, “Anyone attempting to create an atmosphere of fear in Hazaribagh will face strict action. We will not allow criminals to disturb the city’s peace.”
With inputs from IANS