UP Man Accused in Rajkot Murder Case Fires at Police, Shot in Leg

Rajkot: A man arrested in connection with a murder case was shot in the right leg by police after allegedly opening fire at a police team during a weapon recovery operation on the Rajkot–Ahmedabad highway on Friday night. The accused, identified as Anurag Singh, allegedly fired two rounds at the police personnel and attempted to fire a third before an officer retaliated in self-defence.

According to the complaint filed by Police Sub-Inspector Vanrajsinh Dodiyа of the Rajkot City Detection of Crime Branch (DCB), the incident occurred on October 16, when a police team took Singh to a location near the Gundala village signboard, beyond the new Hirasar airport, to recover weapons allegedly used in a murder case.

The investigation into a murder case registered at Thorala police station was being conducted under the supervision of DCB Police Inspector A.S. Chavda. A special investigation team had been formed under Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) B.B. Basia to assist with the probe, in which 10 accused had been arrested.

During questioning, Singh, who is originally from Mirzapur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, reportedly agreed to show the police where he had hidden the weapons used in the crime. The recovery operation began around 8.30 pm in the presence of two independent witnesses and other police personnel. The proceedings were recorded using the e-Sakshya application.

According to the complaint, Singh led the team to a spot near R.K. Industries, approximately 100 metres off the highway. He then directed the police to a thorny thicket about 50 feet from the cement road, where he retrieved a country-made pistol hidden among the bushes.

The police checked the weapon and found its magazine empty. Singh reportedly failed to produce a licence or permit for possessing the firearm. The pistol, valued at approximately Rs 10,000, was seized and sealed as part of the recovery proceedings.

However, as the team was preparing to leave after completing the seizure formalities at around 9.33 pm, Singh allegedly pushed Assistant Sub-Inspector Amit Agrawat, who was holding the handcuff attached to one of his hands, and freed himself.

According to the complaint, Singh then ran a short distance to another nearby bush, retrieved a second pistol that he had concealed there, and pointed it at the police team. He allegedly threatened the officers in Hindi, saying he would shoot them if they did not move away.

PSI Dodiyа said he warned Singh to lower the weapon and surrender. However, the accused allegedly ignored the warning and fired two rounds at the officer and his team with the intention of killing them. When Singh attempted to fire a third round, Dodiyа opened fire once with his service weapon in self-defence, hitting the accused in the right leg.

Singh fell to the ground, allowing the police personnel to overpower him and seize the second pistol. The officers provided first aid to the injured accused by using a piece of clothing to stop the bleeding before rushing him to Rajkot Civil Hospital in a government vehicle. He was admitted for treatment.

The police also informed the control room and senior officers about the incident. An ambulance had been called, but the team transported Singh to the hospital before it arrived. The complainant said he also received medical attention.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered against Singh under Sections 109(1), 132 and 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Sections 25(1)(B)(A) and 27 of the Arms Act, and Section 135 of the Gujarat Police Act. The charges relate to the alleged attempt to murder, assault or obstruction of a public servant, escape from lawful custody and illegal possession and use of firearms. DeshGujarat