Daijiworld Media Network – Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Jul 5: Two alleged shooters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, wanted in connection with the murder of a gym owner in Haryana's Hansi last month, were killed in an encounter with police in Bahadurgarh late on Saturday night, officials said.

The deceased were identified as Pravesh, a resident of Tibba Danasher in Hisar district, and Himanshu of Jakhod Khera village in Hisar. Both carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh each.

According to police, the two suspects opened fire after they were intercepted during an operation based on specific intelligence inputs received from the Delhi Police's Counter-Intelligence Special Cell. The operation was jointly conducted by the Haryana Police Special Task Force (STF).

Police retaliated, injuring both suspects. They were taken to a hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.

A police constable sustained a bullet injury to his foot during the exchange of fire and was admitted to hospital for treatment.

The duo was wanted for the June 11 murder of Kapil, a gym owner in Hansi. Investigators alleged that Pravesh and Himanshu were the main shooters who opened fire on Kapil while he was conducting an outdoor fitness session with a group of trainees.

The killing, captured on CCTV cameras and widely circulated on social media, prompted a major investigation. During the probe, police linked the murder to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and identified the two men as key accused.

Police said further investigation into the case is in progress.