A late-night police operation in Indana village of Nuh district on September 27 spiraled into violence after locals, allegedly mobilised by former district councillor Azad, attacked the raiding team. The police were investigating a vehicle theft racket when they came under a barrage of stones and aerial firing, leaving five officers injured and several police vehicles damaged.
According to Punhana DSP Jitendra Rana, police had received information that three stolen cars were hidden in Indana village. Acting on the lead, a joint team of Tawadu and Punhana CIA launched a raid.
When the team detained a woman suspect, chaos erupted. Azad, the prime accused, allegedly opened fire before fleeing, while his family members and supporters began attacking the police. Within minutes, a large crowd gathered, pelting stones and firing shots in the air to intimidate the officers.
The assault left at least five police personnel injured. Additional forces were rushed to the scene, following which 13 individuals, including three women, were arrested. Police also recovered a pistol and five live cartridges from the spot.
The arrested have been identified as Shaukeen, Yunus, Javed, Nasir, Hafiz, Rihan, Mushtaq, Ajahruddin, Yusuf, Wazid, Naaima, Shaheena, and Nazma. The three women were presented in court and sent to jail, while the 10 male suspects are being produced before the court today.
Police confirmed that Azad, a former district councillor, is the mastermind of the racket and orchestrated the attack. He remains absconding, and multiple teams are conducting raids to track him down.
DSP Rana added, “Several FIRs are already registered in connection with stolen vehicles. The attack was an organised attempt to obstruct the recovery of stolen property. The rest of the accused will be arrested soon.”
Investigators revealed that the racket involved bringing cars on rent from Punjab, forging documents, and reselling them in Nuh under fake identities. Police believe the network has been operating for months, with Indana emerging as a hub for illegal vehicle trade.
Police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including: 190 (Unlawful assembly), 115 (Voluntarily causing hurt), 121 (Causing hurt to a public servant), 132 (Assault or criminal force on a public servant), 221 (Obstructing a public servant), 109 (Attempt to murder), 323 (Dishonest or fraudulent removal of property).
Heavy police deployment continues in Indana village to prevent further escalation. Authorities have assured that Azad and other absconding suspects will be arrested soon.
