Jhajjar: A wanted accused in the Vijay Saini murder case was killed in an encounter with Haryana Police’s special task force (STF) in Jhajjar district late Sunday, while an STF inspector sustained a bullet injury during the exchange of fire.The deceased, Inderpal, was a key accused in the murder case and a close aide of the prime suspect, Sanjay Birdhana.Police sources said the STF received intelligence about Inderpal’s presence near Dujana village and launched an operation to apprehend him. After surrounding the accused, officers asked him to surrender. However, he allegedly opened fire on the police team, triggering an exchange of gunfire.During the encounter, STF inspector Rakesh suffered a gunshot injury to his hand. In retaliatory firing, Inderpal was critically injured and was later declared dead at a hospital.Senior police officers said the STF acted in self-defence after coming under fire. The encounter will be examined as part of the standard legal procedure.Investigators said Inderpal had emerged as a significant figure in the Vijay Saini murder probe and was believed to be a trusted associate of Birdhana.Police sources said Inderpal’s girlfriend had already been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators are examining whether she helped him evade arrest while he was on the run.Following the encounter, police commissioner Rajshree visited the civil hospital in Jhajjar, reviewed the situation with senior officers and sought a detailed report on the operation and the condition of the injured officer.DGP: Zero tolerance for crimeReacting to the rescue of an abducted child in Panipat and the STF encounter in Jhajjar, Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal said the state had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards crime and criminals.“The safety of citizens remains our highest priority. Haryana Police is committed to bringing offenders to justice and ensuring that the rule of law prevails,” Singhal said.He said the swift recovery of the kidnapped child and the STF operation reflected the force’s operational readiness, technological capability and professional efficiency.The DGP added that Haryana Police would continue its crackdown on organised crime, gangster networks and other serious offenders, sending a clear message that criminal activities would not be tolerated in the state.
