Man wanted in murder case killed in encounter

A 39-year-old man wanted in the sensational murder of a doctor in Delhi's Jangpura earlier this year was shot dead in a midnight encounter by a joint team of Gurugram and Delhi Police near the Lotus Temple early on Tuesday, officials said.

- Hemani Bhandari and Debashish Karmakar

The accused, identified as Bhim Mahabahadur Jora, was the alleged mastermind of a gang that infiltrated affluent homes by posing as domestic helps, gained the trust of employers, and later drugged or attacked residents before fleeing with valuables.

Jora had been on the run since May 10, 2024, when he and his associates allegedly strangled Dr. Yogesh Chandra Paul, a 63-year-old physician, during a robbery at his residence in Jangpura, south Delhi. The Delhi Police had announced a ₹50,000 reward for his capture.

Deputy commissioner of police (southeast) Hemant Tiwari said the encounter took place around 12:30am inside the Astha Kunj Park, close to the Lotus Temple. "The accused fired multiple rounds when a joint team of Delhi Police special staff and Gurugram crime branch tried to intercept him. Two officers -- inspector Narendra Sharma and sub-inspector Shubham Chaudhary -- were hit but saved by their bulletproof jackets," Tiwari said.

"In retaliation, Chaudhary fired two shots, one hitting Jora in the chest," said an officer. "He was immediately taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre but was declared dead on arrival."