Delhi Police constable injured in attack during raid on bootlegger's premises

A Delhi Police constable sustained serious injuries after a police team was attacked by a mob led by a known bootlegger and his family members during a raid in southeast Delhi's Gautampuri area, an official said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on Monday evening after constable Lakhan of the Special Staff in the Southeast district received a tip-off about a large consignment of illicit liquor being stored at the residence of one Kailash (63), a habitual offender with multiple cases under the Excise Act.

''Acting on the information, Inspector Rajinder Singh Dagar, in-charge of the Special Staff, formed a team comprising sub-inspector Shubham and other personnel. The team, dressed in civil clothes, reached the location around 8 pm,'' Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said.

During initial surveillance, constables Lakhan and Satbir observed Kailash and another man openly selling liquor on the staircase of the house, he added.

When the police team attempted to intervene, Kailash allegedly incited the crowd by shouting provocative remarks such as ''Aaj ek-do ko jaan se maar do tab dhandha theek chalega'' (kill one or two people today, only then the business will run properly), police said.

Following this, Kailash, his wife Seeta, an associate named Sameer, a 17-year-old juvenile, and several others attacked the police team with lathis and bricks.

''Constable Satbir sustained grievous head and body injuries and lost consciousness. He was immediately rushed to Apollo Hospital in Sarita Vihar where he was declared unfit for giving a statement,'' said the DCP.

Additional police force was called in, and the situation was brought under control. Kailash, Seeta, Sameer, and the juvenile were apprehended, while others managed to escape under the cover of the crowd. A case was registered at the Badarpur police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

According to the police, the raid was carried out based on tip-off received around 7 pm on August 4. The raiding team left the Special Staff office at 7:30 pm and reached Gautampuri Phase-2 by 8 pm.

''During reconnaissance, constables Lakhan and Satbir confirmed the sale of illicit liquor taking place openly. However, when they attempted to act, they were surrounded by a violent mob incited by Kailash, a bootlegger already involved in more than eight cases under the Excise Act,'' he added.

The attackers used lathis and bricks to assault the police team.

In the aftermath of the attack, a massive search and combing operation was launched across Gautampuri. Heavy police force was deployed, and house-to-house searches were carried out to trace other absconding suspects involved in the assault.

Local residents witnessed a heavy police presence late night as multiple teams from nearby police stations joined the operation. Senior police officers were present at the spot to monitor the law and order situation, which remained tense but under control.

Police officials said that strict action will be taken against all those who attacked the police team. Further investigation is underway.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)