Joint Kerala-Rajasthan police ambushed by Islamists while apprehending wanted criminals at Ajmer Sharif Dargah area

In a tense operation marred by gunfire, a joint task force comprising Kerala and Rajasthan Police faced off against armed criminals within the sacred precincts of Ajmer Sharif Dargah, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The exchange of fire occurred on Tuesday, February 21, as law enforcement officials sought to apprehend two wanted individuals within the city.

Reports indicate that the Kerala Police had dispatched a team to Ajmer in pursuit of two suspects implicated in a series of high-value robberies, including the theft of Rs 45 lakhs and gold in Ernakulam district. Teaming up with the Rajasthan Police, the joint force initiated efforts to capture the fugitives, identified as Danish and Shahjad, with the aid of intelligence gathered by the Dargah police station.

However, the operation took a violent turn when the suspects opened fire on the approaching police contingent, prompting a swift response from the law enforcement officers. During the exchange, Trainee IPS Officer Sharan Kamble Gopinath sustained injuries inflicted by the assailants’ gunfire.

The confrontation unfolded in the Kamani Gate locality, falling under the jurisdiction of the Dargah police station, where the criminals made a desperate attempt to evade capture. Not content with gunfire alone, the suspects also wielded a screwdriver in an attempt to resist arrest, showcasing their determination to evade justice.

Despite the assailants’ attempts to create chaos and escape, the joint police team, bolstered by prior intelligence on the suspects’ propensity for violence, demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess. Ultimately, both Danish and Shahjad were subdued and taken into custody, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community.

Further investigations revealed that the apprehended criminals hailed from Uttarakhand’s Roorkee, with a history of repeated criminal offenses extending beyond state borders. Officials, led by IPS Kamble Gopinath, remained undeterred by the suspects’ violent resistance, prioritising public safety and the enforcement of the law throughout the operation.

Speaking to the media, Dargah police station official Gauri Shankar emphasised the significance of the joint operation in neutralising the threat posed by the wanted individuals. Despite the inherent risks, the successful outcome underscores the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts in combating organised crime and safeguarding communities against criminal elements.