Sonipat, Haryana: A wanted criminal with a long history of serious offences was killed in a police encounter in Haryana’s Sonipat district on Monday morning, while a head constable sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire. The operation was carried out near Khubdu village following specific intelligence inputs received by the police.
The deceased has been identified as Gopal alias Gopi (45), a resident of Atayal village. According to police records, he was facing more than 25 criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, firing incidents, and other serious offences. Officials said he had also been sentenced to life imprisonment in two separate cases and was absconding after allegedly jumping parole.
Police Commissioner Mamta Singh said authorities received information early Monday that Gopal was moving through the canal route near MP Majra and Khubdu villages and was allegedly planning to target a resident of his native village. Acting on the tip-off, a team from CIA-1 Ganaur set up a blockade to intercept him.
According to police, Gopal was riding a motorcycle without a registration number plate when officers attempted to stop him. He allegedly tried to escape and opened fire on the police team. Officials stated that the accused fired approximately nine rounds, prompting police personnel to return fire in self-defence.
During the exchange, Head Constable Devender Singh suffered a bullet injury to his left arm. He was immediately shifted to Khanpur Medical College Hospital for treatment. Police officials said the injured officer is stable and receiving medical care.
Commissioner Mamta Singh stated that police teams had been tracking the accused due to his alleged involvement in several recent criminal incidents. She added that the encounter resulted in the recovery of two illegal firearms, multiple spent cartridges, and the motorcycle used by the accused.
Police further alleged that after being released on a 70-day parole period around two-and-a-half months ago, Gopal continued to engage in criminal activities. Investigators linked him to several recent incidents, including firing at a residence over a land dispute, an alleged robbery attempt accompanied by gunfire and arson at a liquor outlet, and the theft of a vehicle from the Samalkha area of Panipat district. These allegations remain subject to investigation and legal scrutiny.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding parole violations and repeat offenders, an issue that law enforcement agencies across the country continue to grapple with while balancing rehabilitation and public safety considerations.
Following the encounter, forensic experts and police teams collected evidence from the scene. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation, and officials said all procedures related to the encounter will be examined in accordance with legal and departmental guidelines.
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