The Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has arrested Vipan Kumar, a key accused in the murder of Rakesh Kumar, alias Gaggi, in Una, Himachal Pradesh. Vipan, a resident of Bassi Muda, Baghpur Mandir in Hoshiarpur, was apprehended from Khanpur, Kharar.
During the arrest, police recovered a country-made .32 bore pistol and six live cartridges from Vipan’s possession. Officials confirmed that Vipan was one of the main shooters involved in the high-profile killing of Rakesh Kumar at Khwaja Basal village in Una.
The murder is believed to be a result of an ongoing gang rivalry between foreign-based gangsters Laddi Bhajal, alias Kooner, and Monu Gujjar of the Ravi Balachauria gang, and Babbi Rana of the Sonu Khatri gang. Rakesh Kumar was a close associate of Babbi Rana, a trusted aide of Sonu Khatri.
An FIR has been registered at the Kharar City police station, and further investigations are ongoing to identify other suspects. Vipan Kumar has previous cases registered against him related to attempted murder, Arms Act violations, and the NDPS Act across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
The killing of Rakesh Kumar earlier this year had escalated tensions between rival gangs in the region.
