JHAJJAR: A wanted accused in the Vijay Saini murder case was killed in an encounter with Haryana Police’s Special Task Force (STF) late Sunday night in Jhajjar district, while an STF inspector sustained a bullet injury during the exchange of fire, officials said.The deceased, identified as Inderpal, was allegedly a key accused in the high-profile Vijay Saini murder case and was considered a close aide of the case’s prime suspect, Sanjay Birdhana.According to police sources, the STF had received specific intelligence about Inderpal’s presence near Dujana village in Jhajjar. Acting on the tip-off, a special team tracked his movements and launched an operation to apprehend him.Officials said the accused was asked to surrender after being surrounded. However, he allegedly opened fire on the police team, triggering a fierce gun battle. During the exchange of fire, Inspector Rakesh of the STF suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. Despite the injury, the operation continued as security personnel tightened the cordon around the accused.In the retaliatory firing, Inderpal was critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.Senior police officials maintained that the STF acted in self-defence after coming under fire from the accused. The circumstances surrounding the encounter are expected to be examined as part of the standard legal procedure.Investigators said Inderpal had emerged as a significant figure in the Vijay Saini murder investigation and was believed to be the trusted lieutenant and operational associate of the main accused, Sanjay Birdhana.Police sources further revealed that Inderpal’s girlfriend had already been arrested in connection with the case during the ongoing investigation. Authorities are now probing whether she had any role in helping the accused evade arrest or maintain logistical support while he was on the run.Following the encounter, police commissioner Rajshree rushed to the civil hospital in Jhajjar and reviewed the situation with senior officers. She also sought a detailed report on the operation and the condition of the injured STF officer.The encounter marks a significant development in the Vijay Saini murder probe and underscores Haryana Police’s intensified crackdown on organised criminal networks and fugitives linked to serious offences.Officials said further investigations are underway, while forensic and ballistic examinations are expected to form part of the post-encounter inquiry.
