New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested an active member of the Takkar Gang who had been declared a proclaimed offender in connection with a 2023 attempt-to-murder case, officials said on Friday.
The accused, identified as 30-year-old Gulam Khawaza alias Aaley, a resident of Dabri, Delhi, was arrested by a Crime Branch team. He was wanted in connection with FIR No. 594/2023, registered under Sections 307 and 34 of the IPC and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Sagarpur Police Station.
Accused allegedly arranged pistol in betting dispute
According to police, the case dates back to November 2023, when Irfan was allegedly operating a betting business in the Raghu Nagar area. Kunal, who was involved in betting with Irfan, suffered losses and was asked to clear his outstanding amount.
Police said Kunal subsequently approached Vicky alias Takkar, who was in jail at the time, for help. Vicky allegedly contacted his associate Gulam Khawaza and directed him to visit Irfan’s betting premises.
Khawaza allegedly arranged a pistol and handed it over to Aman, instructing him to fire at Irfan.
On December 3, 2023, at around 8 p.m., Khawaza, along with Kunal, Hemu and Aman, allegedly reached Irfan’s betting premises. Police said Aman fired two rounds at Irfan, one of which struck his leg while the other missed. The accused then fled the spot.
During the investigation, all four accused were arrested by local police and the pistol was recovered from Aman.
Proclaimed offender arrested after evading police
Police said Khawaza was granted interim bail for 14 days on medical grounds on March 25 but failed to surrender after the bail period ended. He allegedly left Delhi and evaded arrest by frequently changing his hideouts and concealing his identity and movements.
A court declared him a proclaimed offender on August 5.
The Crime Branch formed a dedicated team to track him down. Based on technical surveillance and local intelligence, police received information that Khawaza would arrive in Delhi and travel to Anand Vihar Railway Station before proceeding to the residence of gang leader Takkar in Sitapuri.
The team laid a trap at Anand Vihar Railway Station and apprehended him.
Police allege involvement in 11 criminal cases
During interrogation, Khawaza allegedly disclosed his association with the Takkar Gang and its activities in Dwarka, Dabri, Uttam Nagar and adjoining areas of Haryana.
He was formally arrested under Section 35(1)(D) of the BNSS and is being produced before the concerned court.
According to the Crime Branch, Khawaza is a Delhi University graduate and has previously been involved in 11 criminal cases, including cases registered under the Arms Act and an attempt to murder.
Police said he joined the Takkar Gang after the alleged killing of his close friend Gaurav alias Kaku in 2019 and subsequently became involved in criminal activities.