Daijiworld Media Network - Hisar
Hisar, Aug 20: Gangster Vinod Panu alias Kana, one of Hisar's most-wanted criminals with around 40 cases registered against him, was shot dead outside the main gate of a court complex in Haryana's Hisar on Thursday afternoon.
According to police, the incident took place at around 2 pm when Panu was leaving the court after appearing in a case. Two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly intercepted him near the main gate and opened fire.
The attackers reportedly fired around 12 rounds at Panu before firing two rounds in the air and fleeing the spot on their motorcycle. The sudden gunfire triggered panic in the area, with people rushing to safety.
Panu was brought to the court for a hearing when he was targeted by the assailants. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died in the attack.
Police teams immediately reached the spot after receiving information about the firing and cordoned off the court premises and surrounding area. The court complex was sealed as investigators began collecting evidence.
Blood stains were found on the road outside the court gate, while forensic officials collected samples and other evidence from the crime scene. Police are examining CCTV footage and other leads to identify and trace the attackers.
Panu, a resident of Thurana village in Hansi district, was considered one of the most wanted gangsters in Hisar. His alleged criminal activities extended to several areas, including Delhi-NCR, and around 40 criminal cases, including murder cases, were registered against him.
He was also accused of killing the nephew of the personal assistant of former MLA Savitri Jindal.
Panu had previously been arrested by the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) in 2017 from the Bhadawas area of Jhajjar. A reward of Rs 7 lakh had reportedly been announced for information leading to his arrest.
Seven other alleged criminals were arrested along with Panu during the 2017 operation. They included Dhirpal, a resident of Redhuwas, who was wanted in connection with an alleged MCOCA case and had reportedly jumped parole.
According to police, the group was allegedly planning the murder of Pradeep Solanki of the Manjeet gang when they were arrested.
Police had reportedly recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during the 2017 operation. The seizure included two revolvers, one carbine, two 12-bore guns and three pistols.
Investigators also recovered seven rounds of revolver ammunition, seven rounds for the carbine, 27 cartridges for the 12-bore guns and 21 pistol cartridges.
Police have launched an investigation into Thursday's killing and are probing the motive behind the attack, the identity of the assailants and possible links with rival criminal groups.